Budgam, Sep 07: Renowned politician Zaffer Mir (Lasjan) on Thursday commenced an extensive public outreach across Budgam district to encourage large public participation in the upcoming Urban Local Body (ULB) and Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) elections.
During his district-wide tour, Mir interacted with local youth and stressed the importance of civic engagement and utilizing their voting power to shape the district’s future.
“These foundational elections play a pivotal role in addressing community needs at the grassroots level through local governance which remains transparent and accountable towards the general populace,” he said.
He encouraged the people, especially youth, to actively participate in the electoral process, emphasising that their voices are essential for determining Budgam’s path ahead.
“My dedicated associates & workers will spearhead the awareness campaigns, workshops and programs to enlighten voters about the significance of turning out to vote,” he said.
He added, “We need to envisage and work collectively for a transparent & accountable governance that is responsive to citizens’ needs & their day-to-day problems.”
He urged the electorate to choose leaders who remain focused on community betterment and local development rather than getting swayed away by the emotive narratives that have only added to the perils of the common people.
“Our focus is on empowering citizens to take ownership of grassroots change in their neighbourhoods and villages remains the prime motive of these elections as it is aimed to nurture democracy at the base levels. However, our choices have a great impact on the future and this time we should make a difference by not falling into the trap of those con politicians who have just acted self-centred and left the people of Budgam at the mercy of Almighty Allah,” he said.
Mir urged the government and Election Commission to hold panchayat elections simultaneously with municipal elections, which will provide rural populations the chance to exercise their voting rights.
“It is visible that the democratic stalemate has begun to defreeze and hopefully the assembly elections will also follow up as it remains the dire need of the hour where people, especially from our district Budgam, are anticipating to choose their representatives who can effectively address their woes on grassroots,” he stated.
