Srinagar, Apr 04: The Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party, led by Altaf Bukhari, on Thursday announced its candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, senior party leader Mohammad Dilwar Mir revealed that Mohammad Ashraf Mir will contest from the Srinagar constituency, while Zafar Iqbal Manhas will be the candidate for the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency.
The decision regarding the candidate for the Baramulla Parliamentary seat will be made later, he said.
Responding to speculations about forming a third front and statements made by Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) President Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mir said that efforts are ongoing for coordination among parties to contest elections together. However, Azad’s separate announcement for the Anantnag-Rajouri seat hindered this possibility, he said, adding that talks are still open.
When questioned about being labelled as teams of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Mir said other parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the National Conference (NC), have been in alliances with the saffron party in the past. He said the Apni Party has never formed an alliance with the BJP.
Talking to reporters after being declared as the candidate for the Srinagar constituency, Ashraf Mir expressed confidence in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, terming it a “battle between truth and falsehood”.
Ashraf said he firmly believes that the Apni Party will triumph in all five Lok Sabha constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir, adding that the election outcome holds no significance to him personally, as the focus remains on the party’s commitment to serving the people.
He asserted that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are well aware of the Apni Party’s efforts and achievements in their service.
Ashraf reiterated his belief that the electorate will recognise and appreciate the party’s sincere endeavours, ultimately leading to victory across all constituencies.
Zafar Manhas, the candidate declared by the Apni Party for the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency while talking to reporters expressed humility and determination for being acknowledged by the party with a significant responsibility.
He said that while he was not anticipating this responsibility, he respects the party’s mandate and is committed to fulfilling the expectations set by the party’s high command.
Manhas assured that he would exert his utmost effort to live up to the trust placed in him.
Confident in his abilities, Manhas affirmed his familiarity with the political landscape and his readiness to navigate the challenges ahead.
He expressed his preparedness to tackle the task at hand, likening it to playing on familiar terrain.
Manhas pledged to dedicate himself fully to the role, promising to give his best efforts in serving the party and the constituents it represents.
It is pertinent to mention here that Apni Party is the first political party to announce its candidate for the Srinagar Constituency.
