As BJP and PDP alliance is once again ready to take over the reign of power in the state, hopes have risen among people in Chenab valley as residents expect a ministerial breth in the government that will be sworn in soon.“We hope that the new government that will be headed by Mehbooba Mufti will give representation to the Chenab region in her cabinet,” said Majid Ahmad, a student from Doda, who has voted for PDP in the last assembly elections.The residents hoped that PDP will ensure space to some Muslim faces in the new cabinet so that the community does not feel disempowered.PDP presently has three MLAS and and four MLCs from Jammu region. Former CA&PD minister and MLA Darhal Choudhary Zulfkar was the only Muslim face from Jammu region.BJP which has won four seats from Muslim majority Chenab Valley and one from Pir Panchaal is strengthening it's base by further dividing Muslim votes. The party is believed to have two ministers from Chenab Valley and another from Rajouri-Poonch so as to strengthen its base.“There is a sense of deprivation among people in Chenab region as they feel that BJP is governing on communal lines.
So to get this feeling out of the peoples mind, PDP must give a chance to a Muslim face,” said Zahid Choudhary.The sense of disempowerment was aggravated by the eviction of Gujjars from forest land, frequent and selected transfer of Muslim officers and reports of community-based politics by BJP legislators.“These factors created a sense of fear among Muslims of Jammu region and it could prove the biggest challenge for Mehbooba Mufti who is all set to take over as the first woman Chief Minister of the state to change this sense of fear,” Choudhary said, adding that having a minister can help get this fear out of the people."The Jammu Muslims felt at the receiving end during the 9 month PDP-BJP government and they had a sigh of relief during governor rule,” said Ghulam Abass, a social activist of Banihal.Speculations are rife that PDP top brass is mulling to replace some old faces with young legislators so as to connect with the young generation. From Valley MLA Wachi Aijaz Ahmad Mir and MLC Yasir Reshi are believed to be the front-runners.While Mir won from Wachi constituency, earlier represented by PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti, Reshi lost to NC's Mohammad Akbar Lone by a close margin. Both are believed to be close aides of Mehbooba Mufti. (KNS)