Mehbooba deserves to be CM, says Mufti Sayeed; will take time, say party leaders

Sources said that idea was discussed with coalition partner BJP and they were not averse to the idea of Mehbooba Mufti replacing her father.

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File photo: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed and his daughter Mehbooba Mufti. (Source: PTI)

For the first time since taking over as Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Friday hinted his daughter and president of the PDP Mehbooba Mufti could take over as CM after him.

“It’s a democratic process. Mehbooba has been working in the field as party president, has represented an assembly constituency and currently represents a seat in Lok Sabha, so she deserves this,” said Mufti when asked by reporters whether his daughter would replace him as the chief minister.

Speculation has been rife in the last few days that Mehbooba could take over as CM in the third week of November, given her father’s age and health. Leaders close to the family, however, said it would be months before she is asked to take charge.

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Sources said the idea was discussed with coalition partner BJP, which was not averse to Mehbooba replacing her father.

“The party leadership is thinking about it. Though the time has come, it could take months,” said a senior PDP leader.

Mufti’s statement comes at a time when the PDP is facing a revolt from two founding members, MPs Muzaffar Hussain Baig and Tariq Hamid Qarra.

PDP chief spokesman Mehboob Baig said Mehbooba has played a pivotal role in the PDP since the inception of the party. “She has worked hard and is capable of taking on the challenge,” he said.

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