Keeping post-poll options open, PDP praises Modi

Warming up to the BJP ah-ead of the fifth phase of assembly polls in J&K, former CM and PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed is all praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he has increased the faith of the people in the democratic process by holding polls in a free and fair manner.

“In 2002, then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee had announced from the ramparts of Red Fort that elections in J&K will be free and fair. After those polls PDP had come to power,’’ Mu-fti Sayeed said, adding, “Today also, I say there have never been free and fair assembly polls like the present ones.”

Even Srinagar, where people used to stay away from the electoral process in view of the boycott calls, saw a large voter turnout, he said winding up his poll campaign on Thursday.

Dropping hints about post-poll scenario, the PDP leader said: “Whether Mufti wins or anyone else that is not his concern. Modi has a bigger vision and he has a mission to make India a great nation… take India ahead of China and other nations.”