SRINAGAR: A picture of an Iftar party has set social media on fire in Kashmir Valley. The Iftar was hosted by People’s Democratic Party (DPD) president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday, and the picture showed her daughter Iltija Mufti breaking bread with Zahir Abdullah and Zamir Abdullah, sons of J&K chief minister and National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah.
It was Iltija who posted the Iftar pictures on her social media handles, which have now left the supporters of both PDP and NC miffed, with many seeking answers from “those who were fighting against each other”.
Earlier on March 23, Mehbooba had hosted an Iftar party in Jammu, which was attended by CM Omar and his father and NC president Farooq Abdullah.
However, it’s the bonhomie of the next generation of the two biggest political families in Kashmir that appears to have riled some loyalists, who have accused politicians of befooling their followers.
“It is disheartening to see political parties engaging in heated debates and conflicts in public, only to put aside their differences and socialise together in private. This can be perceived as hypocritical and dismissive of the people’s concerns,” one Faiq Faiz commented on Facebook.
Another netizen lamented that political leaders did not even remember the names of their staunch supporters who fight for them, but were happy to share meals with their opponents.
Not all reactions were negative, though, as some social media users pointed out there was a distinction between political rivalry and personal enmity. A post by one Shah Sameer said: “Political unity is essential for the functioning of a healthy democracy and the well-being of society. While challenges exist, fostering dialogue, understanding and shared goals can help bridge divisions and promote a more cohesive political climate.”
During last year’s elections, the two parties had bitterly criticised each other, with Iltija accusing NC of betraying the people, and NC describing PDP as the “B-team” of BJP. Zahir and Zamir were also active during the poll campaign, and repeatedly targeted PDP.
