Jammu And Kashmir: ‘Electoral Process Must Be Protected Or Democracy Will Be At Risk,’ Says PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti | VIDEO

On September 23, 2026, People's Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti cautioned that the country might become a "banana republic" if the electoral process persisted in being undermined. Mufti reacted to reports that two Election Commissioners had repeatedly complained about decisions made by the poll panel.

Responding to a query about the commissioners raising objections 14 times, Mufti remarked that India and Pakistan seem to be competing over "who can cause more harm to their own people and country." Her comments came amid disagreements within the Election Commission of India concerning electoral roll-related decisions. Mufti emphasized that India is the world’s largest democracy, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has often described the nation as the "mother of democracy."

However, she alleged that the current administration was attempting to undermine the democratic fundamentals by manipulating electoral rolls, a claim that the Election Commission dismissed as unanimous. The PDP chief praised the two Election Commissioners for their "courage and integrity" in questioning those in power, despite the potential consequences they might face.

Mufti's accusations about electoral rolls and possible repercussions against the commissioners are her own claims, not verified facts. Turning to Pakistan, Mufti criticized the country for its treatment of dissent and its repression at home, citing the detention of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's sisters who were peacefully protesting for their brother.

Mufti described their situation as a "very, very sorry state of affairs" and lamented the lack of dissent within Pakistan's establishment questioning the arbitrary detention.