Calls Omar Govt’s First Year “Disappointing,” Accuses BJP of Ignoring Jammu Flood Victims
Srinagar, Oct 14: — In a significant political development, Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari announced on Tuesday that his party will field candidates in the upcoming parliamentary bye-elections for Nagrota and Budgam constituencies.
Speaking after chairing a high-level meeting of party leaders from Jammu Province at the Apni Party’s Gandhi Nagar office, Bukhari revealed that the final list of candidates will be finalized during a Political Affairs Committee (PAC) meeting scheduled to be held in Srinagar tomorrow. He was accompanied by Provincial President Manjit Singh and other senior party functionaries.
Addressing a press conference later, Bukhari launched a sharp attack on both the National Conference (NC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying that both parties have “completely failed to meet people’s expectations.” He urged voters to look beyond traditional parties and place their trust in the Apni Party.
“People have lost faith in both NC and BJP. There has been no real development, no jobs for youth, and no relief for daily wagers or fruit growers. The recent 17-day closure of the Jammu-Srinagar Highway paralyzed the economy, yet the government remained silent,” Bukhari said.
Criticizing the Omar Abdullah-led government, Bukhari described its first year in office as “deeply disappointing” and accused it of failing to deliver on promises. He further accused the BJP of neglecting the flood-affected families in Jammu, despite enjoying substantial representation from the region in the Assembly.
“Even with a strong presence from Jammu, BJP legislators couldn’t secure a special relief package for flood victims. Both NC and BJP have betrayed the trust of the people,” he remarked.
Reflecting on his party’s role following the August 5, 2019 constitutional changes, Bukhari said the Apni Party was instrumental in ensuring the protection of land and job rights for the residents of Jammu and Kashmir during a critical phase.
Concluding his address, Bukhari likened the NC and BJP to “two sides of the same coin,” accusing them of being more focused on political blame games than on resolving people’s issues.
“While they trade claims and counter-claims, common people continue to suffer. Apni Party stands committed to delivering real change,” Bukhari asserted.
The announcement marks a renewed push by the Apni Party to expand its political footprint in Jammu and Kashmir, signaling an increasingly competitive battle in the upcoming bye-elections.
