Srinagar: Less than four months after its formation, the People’s Alliance for Change (PAC) in Jammu and Kashmir has suffered a setback with the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI)-backed Justice and Development Front (JDF) announcing its exit from the coalition over differences in its “modus operandi.”
The PAC, launched in June this year as a new political alternative to the region’s traditional parties, comprised Sajjad Lone’s Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference (PC), the People’s Democratic Front (PDF), and the JDF.
In a statement issued on Friday, the JDF said, “We wish to announce, with great mutual respect, that the Justice and Development Front (JDF) has decided to exit the People’s Alliance for Change (PAC), which came into existence a few months ago in collaboration with the People’s Conference (PC) and the People’s Democratic Front (PDF).”
The Jamaat-backed outfit said it believed an independent course would better align with its “vision, values, and principles.”
“Within the alliance framework, JDF has always exercised its democratic right to express differing opinions. After due reflection, we believe that pursuing an independent course will better serve our vision, values, and principles,” the statement added.
While the JDF cited “certain differences” in PAC’s working style, it did not elaborate. However, sources suggest tensions emerged over the upcoming Budgam assembly bypoll, scheduled for November. The JDF reportedly wanted to field its own candidate, while the PAC was pushing for Hakeem Yaseen as its joint nominee.
The JDF’s exit is likely to weaken the PAC’s prospects in Budgam, where former Jamaat cadres could have influenced voter support.
