Muzaffar Beigh rejoins PDP on party founder Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's death anniversary

Srinagar: In a massive boost to the beleaguered People’s Democratic Party (PDP), seasoned political figure and former deputy chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Muzaffar Hussain Beigh on Sunday, along with his wife Safeena rejoined the party he had quit in 2020.

Beigh, known for his strategic acumen and connection with the masses, brings a wealth of experience to the PDP, which has been jolted with exodus by its senior leaders since its lost power in June 2018.

Reports said the rejoining ceremony took place in the presence of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and other party leaders who warmly welcomed the husband-wife duo back into the fold.

The timing of Beigh's return couldn't be more significant, as the Lok Sabha elections loom on the horizon. Political analysts speculate that his reentry could reshape the electoral dynamics in north Kashmir in favor of the PDP, potentially attracting a broader spectrum of voters.

Sources said the PDP is likely to field Safeena Beigh as its candidate for Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency. Safeena is currently chairperson District Development Council (DDC) Baramulla.

Earlier, Beigh visited the grave of the party founder Mufti Muhammad Sayeed in Bijbehara area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on his eighth anniversary to pay tributes to the departed leader.

Beigh, who was a co-founder of the PDP in the late 1990s, had left the party on November 14, 2020 after differences with Mehbooba. He had said then that Mehbooba had joined the People’s Alliance for Gupkar declaration (PAGD) without consulting him.

PAGD was formed after the August 5, 2019 abrogation of Article 370 and downgrading of J&K into a union territory.

After leaving the PDP, Beigh and his wife had joined the Peoples Conference (PC) headed by Sajad Gani Lone.