EP-215 | What Kashmiris Want, J&K Polls, PDP's Battle for Survival with Waheed Ur Rehman Para

ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash

Waheed ur Rehman Para is the PDP's candidate from the Pulwama constituency and currently serves as the Youth Wing President of the PDP. He is considered a close aide of former J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. Para spent 19 months in jail on allegations of terror links. In 2020, young PDP leader won the DDC elections while being in NIA's custody.

In an episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Para discusses the changes in the valley since the abrogation of Article 370. He mentions that Kashmiri youth are seeking a dignified place in Indian democracy.

Para also addresses PDP's prospects in the J&K polls and the entry of former Jamaat members into the electoral fray. Additionally, he speaks out about the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits and the influence of Pakistan in the valley. He also speaks about his jail time and how it has changed his perspective towards politics.

(00:00) Introduction

(00:47) Time in Jail Under UAPA

(03:37) What Changed After 5th Aug 2019

(05:33) Family Ties with Muftis

(09:00) Kashmiri Identity

(14:45) What Kashmiris Want

(17:56) Kashmiri Leaders' Detention

(20:09) Mainstream Politics

(22:59) Article 370 Abrogation

(24:32) Kashmiri Pandits' Exodus

(28:36) Yale University Program

(29:01) Contest in Pulwama

(30:02) Mehbooba Mufti's Plan

(35:55) Gupkar Alliance Collapse

(40:44) Mehbooba vs. Omar

(42:10) Engineer Rashid's Win in LS

(44:22) How 1987 Rigged Polls Changed J&K

(46:49) Independents in J&K Polls

(51:29) Pak Interfering in J&K Polls?

(53:17) What Does Pulwama's Youth Want

(56:12) Hung Assembly Situation