J&K: Mehbooba Mufti to Attend DMK Event Commemorating K Karunanidhi on October 14

Srinagar: The president of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, will be attending a function organised by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party in Chennai on October 14, a party spokesperson said on Wednesday. 

The event by the DMK’s women’s wing is being held in the south Indian city to commemorate the centenary year celebration of former Tamil Nadu chief minister Kalaignar Karunanidhi.  

The event, according to the leader, is expected to bring together prominent leaders and activists from across the country to reiterate their commitment to advancing women's status. 

The PDP leader, in the party statement, welcomed the invite from the Dravida Munnetra Kazagham (DMK) Member of Parliament Kanimozhi, following which Mufti confirmed her participation in the event. 

“In the current socio-political landscape, where women and children face increasing threats and challenges, Mufti’s participation in this event signifies a united front in the pursuit of gender equality and women's empowerment,” a party statement read. 

In a letter from the DMK’s deputy general secretary, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi to Mufti said that the women and children in the country have become targets of violence due to what she called “regressive” policies and actions of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) led government. 

“All the progressive forces should unite to confront and reverse this unfortunate trend. Also, in such turbulent times, we need to reassure our commitment to making the Women’s Reservation Bill a reality, which will enable crores of women’s voices across the country to be heard in the parliament and legislative assemblies,” the letter read.  

The statement also underscored the role of Dr. Karunanidhi as a “stalwart” in Indian politics, adding that he left an indelible mark on the empowerment of women. 

“His visionary initiatives as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu included enacting laws that granted equal property rights to daughters, on par with sons. He was also instrumental in introducing reservations for women in government jobs and local bodies, paving the way for countless women to achieve financial independence and social empowerment,” the statement said. 

Mufti, who has emerged from a BJP ally to one of the most critical voices against the BJP, has been accusing the ruling party of mishandling the erstwhile state, especially in the wake of the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35 A. Her party and DMK are part of the INDIA alliance, a coalition of 28 opposition parties, formed in July this year to take on the BJP-led NDA in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.