Srinagar: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Wednesday appealed to the people of Budgam to support the Apni Party candidate in the upcoming bypolls in the constituency.
He was addressing a workers’ convention in the Narkara area of Budgam. Several other prominent party leaders were also present on the occasion.
Taking a dig at the traditional parties, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari urged people not to fall prey to their fake promises and emotional slogans. He appealed to the public to cast their votes in favour of the Apni Party candidate, Mukhtar Ahmad Dar.
He said, “We have chosen a candidate who belongs to your community and understands your concerns. These elections are not about forming a government, but if you elect this candidate, he will be your voice before the ruling regime and ensure that your issues are addressed promptly.”
Talking about last year’s assembly elections, Apni Party president said, “BJP approached last year’s assembly elections on communal lines, assuring voters in the Jammu region that they would ensure a Hindu Chief Minister. This, in turn, prompted people in the Valley to rally behind a single party to secure a Muslim Chief Minister. Unfortunately, this otherwise democratic process took a communal turn—something unprecedented in Jammu and Kashmir. In the past, elections here were never fought on religious grounds.”
Talking about the occurances of August 5 in 2019, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, “The unfortunate day of August 5, 2019, brought deep suffering to our people. We were deprived of our constitutional rights, and that day will always be remembered as a dark chapter in our history.”
He went on to say, “Following the events of August 5, the Apni Party was established to strive for the restoration of the rights and identity that were taken away, as well as for the release of prisoners. In the aftermath of August 5, when Jammu and Kashmir was gripped by chaos and people feared even a change in the region’s demography, it was we who came forward to shoulder our responsibility—to stand by our people and engage with the Centre to ensure that no demographic changes were made here. We also ensured the release of over three thousand prisoners who had been lodged in various jails across different locations. However, many people still remain behind bars, and those who hold public mandates do not even speak about these detainees.”
Apni party President further said, “We risked everything and came forward to talk with the government at the Centre. Although the atmosphere was not favourable and miscreants left no stone unturned to defame us, it did not hinder our efforts. We convinced New Delhi and secured an assurance that the people of Jammu and Kashmir would retain their exclusive rights over land and employment. That was our contribution at that crucial time.”
Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari appealed to the people to support the Apni Party candidate in the upcoming bypolls and assured them that the party is committed to serving the people with utmost dedication.
Meanwhile, a prominent political activist from Budgam, Ghulam Nabi Parwana, along with his team, joined Apni Party on this occasion. Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari and other party leaders gave a warm welcome to these new entrants into the party fold.
