Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President, Mehbooba Mufti has been listed among the 100 most powerful persons in India. According to the list of “The Most Powerful Indians in 2016” released by Indian Express today, Mehbooba Mufti figures at serial number 14 ahead of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Rajasthan Chief Minister, Vasundhara Raje, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N Chandra Babu Naidu, BSP chief Mayawati and Priyanka Gandhi.According to the newspaper, Mehbooba has played a pivotal role in shaping PDP which emerged as the single largest party in Jammu and Kashmir in 2014 elections.
“After the death of her father Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, she didn’t rush to take oath as the first woman Chief Minister of J&K despite pulls and pressures from various quarters. She is playing hardball and trying to bargain with the top BJP leadership and the Government of India for a deal which benefits her state in the long run,” it states.The newspaper goes on to add that despite forming an alliance with BJP, Mehbooba openly advocates talks with Kashmir separatists and Pakistan.Prime Minister Narendra Modi figures at serial number 1 of the list while Congress President Sonai Gandhi figures at serial number 5. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal figures at serial number 8 while Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi figures at serial number 9. Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad figures at serial number 28. (CNS)