Aijaz Mir to contest from Zainapora

Shopian, Aug 24 : Aijaz Ahmad Mir, District Development Member from Zainapora II and former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), has announced his intention to contest the upcoming elections from his home constituency, Zainapora, after being denied a ticket by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Mir, who has been a dedicated member of the PDP for past many years, expressed his disappointment and emotional hurt over the party’s decision.
“The decision was conveyed to me without prior notice or consultation, he said.
In an exclusive interview with Rising Kashmir, Mir detailed his grievances with the party leadership, particularly the way in which the decision to deny him the ticket for Zainapora Constituency was handled.
Despite his years of loyalty and service, Mir said he felt betrayed and humiliated by the PDP leadership who did not even take him into confidence regarding their decision.
He mentioned that if he had been informed and involved in the process, he would have supported the party’s decision, but the lack of communication left him and his supporters shocked and hurt.
Mir, who became the youngest Sarpanch in 2011 and later won the 2014 Assembly elections on PDP ticket, as well as the District Development Council (DDC) election in 2020 from Zainapora II, has a long history of public service in the area.
His work and loyalty to the PDP, he claims, were well-known to party president Mehbooba Mufti, which added to his surprise and disappointment when he was not chosen to represent the party in the upcoming elections.
In the wake of the PDP’s decision, Mir has been consulting with his supporters, well-wishers, and friends, who have advised him to contest the elections independently.
While he has not yet decided whether he will run as an independent candidate or under another banner, he said that he will be running on the mandate of the people.
Mir believes that the outcome of an election is determined by the people’s mandate, not by the party ticket.
He expressed confidence that his work and dedication to the people of Zainapora would resonate with voters, regardless of the party under which he contests the election.
Mir said that he didn’t leave the party, he said, “The party leadership kicked me out,” adding that the party doesn’t need him anymore.