PDP candidate from Kangan constituency, Syed Jamat Ali Shaheen in an exclusive interview with Rising Kashmir Correspondent, Umar Raina talks about the challenges and opportunities assembly polls offer in the Ganderbal district. Shaheen, a former government employee shares his vision for the development of Kangan and the roadmap to address unemployment issues in his constituency.
Q: You’re a retired government employee. What made you join politics?
A: I’ve had a long career as a government officer, and even then, it was always my passion to work for the betterment of the underprivileged. During my service, my work was limited to my area, and I didn’t have much involvement in Kangan. But when the Kangan constituency was reserved for the ST seat, several organizations approached me to contest the election.
After some reflection, I chose the PDP. One of the main reasons was that during Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s tenure as Chief Minister in 2002, a new era of development began in Jammu and Kashmir, and I admired his broader vision.
After I retired, I performed the Hajj pilgrimage, which gave me a deeper sense of the public’s concerns. I had always been close to the issues of the people. Even before retirement, my colleagues knew that I was committed to public service. After retirement, I felt the responsibility to continue this work, and that’s why I decided to become a public representative.
Q: How is your political campaign going so far?
A: To my surprise, I quickly gained public support. If the people continue to trust me and grant me the mandate, I am committed to doing everything I can for them. My focus is on employment opportunities for both men and women and developing the Kangan constituency in all aspects.
Every election is a challenge, but I’m confident. I’ve put in the work, and I believe the public appreciates my efforts. I don’t see it as too hard because I trust the connection I’ve built with the people.
Q: Kangan is an underdeveloped constituency. How do you plan to address the challenge?
A: If I become the MLA, I will bring about changes that the public never imagined. I want to ensure that they no longer depend solely on government aid. From Kangan to Sonamarg, this region has immense tourism potential, and I will do everything I can to turn it into a thriving tourist destination, which will, in turn, generate employment in the constituency.
Win or lost, my commitment to the people of my constituency will remain unchanged. I will continue to work with them and for them.
Q: In case you win the election, what would be your priorities?
A: My main focus will be on providing 24/7 electricity, improving infrastructure such as water supply and roads, and addressing the basic issues that people face.
