SRINAGAR: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Thursday termed the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) a political deception created by traditional political parties to conceal their failures and misdeeds.
He made these remarks while addressing a joining function at the party headquarters in Srinagar, where several political and social leaders along with activists from Sopore formally joined the Apni Party.
Welcoming the new entrants into the party fold, Bukhari said their joining would strengthen the party’s organisational base in their respective areas and enhance its ability to serve the people.
“It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you all to Apni Party. You belong to a constituency that has remained politically significant and sensitive. I assure you that your dignity and self-respect will always be preserved in this party and you will never be disappointed by your decision to join us,” he said.
Highlighting the party’s formation and objectives, Bukhari said the Apni Party was established in 2020 following the constitutional changes of August 5, 2019, at a time when people needed political leadership and support.
He said that during that period, the party stepped forward to stand with the people and address their concerns.
Bukhari asserted that unlike traditional political parties, the Apni Party believes in politics based on truth and integrity and does not make unrealistic promises for political gains.
“We do not believe in misleading people or making promises that cannot be fulfilled. Our commitment is to work for goals that are achievable and genuinely beneficial for the people,” he said.
The Apni Party president said the party remains committed to safeguarding the rights of the people and striving for the restoration of constitutional rights through democratic means.
Taking a dig at traditional political parties, Bukhari alleged that they had misled people for decades through slogans and promises aimed at securing political power.
Referring to PAGD, he claimed that the alliance was formed after the abrogation of Article 370 primarily to serve the political interests of certain parties and leaderships.
“They claimed that PAGD would restore Article 370, but that promise turned out to be a deception. The alliance was created to suit their political interests and to shield their failures and misdeeds,” he said.
Bukhari further alleged that certain family-led parties have historically prioritised political power and the interests of their own leadership over public welfare.
He said the Apni Party would continue to focus on public service, transparency and addressing the aspirations of the people through practical and achievable measures.
The joining programme was attended by senior party leaders and workers, who welcomed the new members and expressed confidence that their inclusion would further strengthen the party’s presence in Sopore and adjoining areas.
