Baramulla: A sizeable public gathering was witnessed in Baramulla on Sunday as residents from across the constituency assembled for a political meeting addressed by senior leader Touseef Raina, despite persistent rainfall and biting cold.
People began arriving early in the day at the Dak Bungalow venue, travelling from rural and urban pockets of Baramulla. The turnout included youths, senior residents and local representatives, indicating growing political engagement at the grassroots level, organisers said.
Addressing the gathering, Raina mounted a broad critique of governance in the region, alleging that public issues such as employment, infrastructure and civic amenities have remained unresolved despite repeated assurances. He said development narratives have not translated into tangible improvements in everyday life.
Raina also referred to what he described as an expanding gap between elected representatives and the public. Without naming specific leaders, he said policymaking has become increasingly detached from the realities faced by ordinary citizens, particularly in peripheral areas.
Commenting on recent electoral messaging, Raina argued that political campaigns built on fear or exclusion fail to address genuine public concerns. He said people are now assessing parties and leaders on delivery rather than rhetoric.
During the address, Raina announced plans to set up a public facilitation office in Baramulla, which he said would function as a permanent interface between citizens and leadership. According to him, the office would focus on grievance redressal, feedback collection and issue-based engagement, without political discrimination.
Raina acknowledged the turnout in adverse weather conditions and described it as an expression of voluntary public participation. He said no transport or inducements were arranged for attendees and credited the gathering to personal commitment rather than organisational mobilisation.
The meeting also featured brief remarks by local supporters, who expressed confidence in Raina’s approach and called for issue-based politics centred on accountability and public participation.
