Anantnag, Apr 06: Mian Altaf Ahmad, the nominated candidate for the Anantnag-Rajouri Parliamentary constituency from the National Conference (NC) on Saturday said that a significant decision was made on August 05, 2019, and in the upcoming parliamentary elections, people have the chance to express their discontent against this decision.
Addressing a gathering in the Bijbehara area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, Mian Altaf said the primary aim of this election is to express discontent against the August 05 decision – the day the Government of India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the erstwhile State into two union territories.
“There are visible challenges. The escalating electricity tariffs and the widespread unemployment has left even the middle class feeling helpless, let alone the poor,” he said, adding that contractors are also facing difficulties and these issues have worsened over the past five years.
He said it was unprecedented for a State to be downgraded to a Union Territory and bifurcated, with Ladakh facing its own set of challenges. “This indicates that the August 05 decision is not benefiting the people in any way,” he said.
Responding to a question about the difficulty of transitioning from assembly to parliamentary elections, Mian acknowledged the challenge but expressed readiness to make efforts in these elections, just as he has done in the past.
Regarding concerns about votes being divided among Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Pahari communities, the NC leader said he hasn’t engaged in divisive issues in the past. “The party has presented the candidate to the people and the people will have to choose whom to vote,” he added.
Mian Altaf was joined by Nasir Aslam Wani; Justice (Retr) Husnain Masoodi; Dr Veeri and other party members.
