In a surprising political shift in Jammu and Kashmir, the Justice and Development Front (JDF) — a party backed by Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) — has officially withdrawn from the People’s Alliance for Change (PAC), merely four months after the coalition’s formation.
The PAC, which emerged earlier this year as a fresh attempt to reshape the political landscape of the region, was a coalition of Sajjad Lone’s Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference (PC), the People’s Democratic Front (PDF), and JDF. The alliance aimed to challenge the region’s traditional power structures and offer a new political direction for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
In an official statement, the JDF said:
“We wish to announce, with great mutual respect, that the Justice and Development Front (JDF) has decided to exit the People’s Alliance for Change (PAC), which came into existence a few months ago in collaboration with the People’s Conference (PC) and the People’s Democratic Front (PDF).”
The statement highlighted that the JDF’s decision stems from a belief that an independent political path aligns better with its vision, values, and principles.
“Within the alliance framework, JDF has always exercised its democratic right to express differing opinions. After due reflection, we believe that pursuing an independent course will better serve our vision, values, and principles,” it added.
While the JDF refrained from disclosing specific issues, insiders suggest that differences over candidate selection for the upcoming Budgam assembly bypolls might have been a key factor. Sources indicate that the former Jamaat cadres within JDF were keen to field their own candidate, while the PAC leadership reportedly favored Hakeem Yaseen as the alliance’s joint choice.
This departure poses a potential setback for the PAC, as JDF’s local network and influence, particularly in Budgam, could significantly affect the coalition’s performance in the upcoming elections.
The People’s Alliance for Change, formed in June, had initially sparked hope among voters seeking a new political voice beyond the long-dominant regional players. JDF’s exit, however, underscores the persistent fragility of political alliances in Jammu and Kashmir’s evolving landscape.
In the end, this move reminds us that political unity—no matter how promising—requires more than shared goals; it demands shared trust, patience, and compromise. The people of Jammu and Kashmir continue to watch, waiting not just for alliances, but for leadership that truly listens, evolves, and delivers on the ground.
