Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party
Regionalism, Self-rule
President: Mehbooba Mufti
Omar Abdullah faces "cold shoulder" from Modi over Statehood after winning 42 seats
Omar Abdullah of the National Conference won 42 seats in the 90-member J&K Assembly against the BJP and PDP. Despite a 63.8% turnout, his government faces a "cold shoulder" from Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding Statehood. After losing the 2025 Budgam bye-election, Abdullah is hardening his stance against officials Atal Dulloo and Achal Sethi while facing marginalization by Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha.
Omar Abdullah writes to Chief Secretary to ensure Beenish Wani faces no retribution
On October 16, 2026, Tanvir Sadiq stated that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wrote to the Chief Secretary to ensure JKAS officer Beenish Wani faces no retribution. Kumar Rajiv Ranjan, an IAS officer, allegedly used abusive language against Wani during a Mission Yuva scheme meeting on October 15. Mehbooba Mufti, Aga Syed Ruhullah, and Naeem Akhtar demanded strict action against Ranjan.
IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan allegedly used foul language against junior officer Bilquis Wani
On Thursday, Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, a 2010 batch IAS officer and Secretary in Jammu and Kashmir, allegedly used foul language against junior officer Bilquis Wani during an online meeting regarding the National Rural Livelihoods Mission. Mantasha Binti Rashid and Peoples Democratic Party leader Naeem Akhtar protested the incident. The CBI booked Ranjan in 2025 for amassing assets beyond legal income.
Darakshan Andrabi reverses uniform Friday sermons proposal after opposition from Omar Abdullah, Mirwaiz
On October 13, 2026, Darakshan Andrabi of the J&K Waqf Board reversed her proposal for uniform Friday sermons following opposition from Omar Abdullah, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and Mehbooba Mufti. Critics from the PDP, National Conference, JKPC, AIP, and Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema condemned the move as interference. Junaid Azim Mattu and Sajad Lone also denounced the board's attempt to micromanage religious freedom.
National Conference and PDP join Congress protests demanding Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over voter fraud
On October 10, 2026, the National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party joined Congress-led protests in Kashmir at the INDIA bloc's call. Protesters demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged voter list fraud. Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti likened Delhi’s security restrictions to Kashmir in 2019, criticizing the internet shutdown and siege tactics used against protesters.
PDP leader Abdul Kabir sparks controversy calling Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani a 'martyr'
Senior PDP leader Abdul Kabir sparked controversy in Kishtwar by calling Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, killed in 2016, a 'martyr' during a workers' convention. Amit Raina of Roots in Kashmir and BJP leader Yudhvir Sethi criticized the remarks, accusing the party of terror appeasement. Sethi demanded an apology to families of soldiers who died fighting terrorism in the Kashmir Valley.
Delhi Police detain 150 protesters including Yogendra Yadav demanding Gyanesh Kumar's resignation
On October 3, 2026, Delhi Police detained around 150 protesters, including Neha Bora, Yogendra Yadav, and Prashant Bhushan, marching toward Jantar Mantar to demand Gyanesh Kumar's resignation as Chief Election Commissioner. Simultaneously, NSUI protested at India Gate. P. Chidambaram urged his resignation. The INDIA bloc announced a 'Save Democracy' rally in Jammu on October 7.
PDP's Waheed-ur-Rehman Para proposes Motion of Privilege against Chief Secretary and Law Secretary
On Wednesday, Waheed-ur-Rehman Para of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) proposed a Motion of Privilege against Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and Law Secretary Achal Sethi. The motion follows an Assembly resolution passed on Monday regarding bureaucratic overreach. Legislators Irfan Hafeez Lone and Sajad Gani Lone also criticized the officers' conduct in a letter addressed to Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather.
INDIA bloc and Kapil Sibal plan "Save Democracy" marches against Modi, Shah, Kumar
On September 30, 2026, the INDIA bloc and Kapil Sibal met to plan a nationwide campaign starting October 2, 2026. The plan includes "Save Democracy" marches from October 2 to 8, an October 6 march to the Election Commission, and five rallies. Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi alleged that Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and Gyanesh Kumar are undermining democracy.
MLA Waheed ur Rehman Parra moves breach of privilege motion against J&K bureaucrats
MLA Waheed ur Rehman Parra moved a breach of privilege motion against Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Duloo and Law Secretary Achal Sethi for allegedly trying to scuttle a statehood restoration resolution. The resolution was moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday and passed Monday. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather called the bureaucrats' letter unprecedented interference in legislative functioning.
J&K Minister Sakina Itoo to develop new media policy for social media journalists
On September 30, 2026, Sakina Itoo, Jammu and Kashmir's Minister, informed the Legislative Assembly that a new media policy is being developed to regulate social media journalists. The House Committee, led by Ali Mohammad Sagar, gave the Information Department four months to formulate guidelines after concerns were raised about misuse of social media. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather had previously asked for comprehensive study and action against law violators. Minister Itoo acknowledged shortcomings but emphasized shared responsibility among legislators, political parties, and journalists. She assured strict actions against those found guilty under new regulations.
Omar Abdullah passes resolution for J&K Statehood restoration in J&K Assembly
On September 28, Omar Abdullah brought and passed a resolution in the J&K Assembly calling for immediate restoration of full Statehood to J&K. The resolution was supported by 61 members from various parties but opposed by the BJP, which staged walkouts over its wording. BJP leader Sunil Sharma criticized references to previous autonomy resolutions as unnecessary, while Abdullah argued these were crucial within constitutional context. The debate also highlighted tensions between legislature and bureaucracy following letters from Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and Law Secretary Achal Sethi opposing the resolution on grounds of being sub judice.
