NC failed to implement election manifesto: Altaf Bukhari

Srinagar, Aug 29: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday said that the “people of Srinagar city have endured decades of neglect and political exploitation, particularly since 1990.” He accused the ruling NC of deceiving the people with false promises during the 2024 Assembly elections.
He made these remarks today while addressing an event at the Apni Party headquarters in Srinagar. The event was organised to welcome new members into the party fold.
People’s Conference District President Srinagar Nighat Gul and former Corporator from Nawaz Bazar, Srinagar, Inayat Hussain Mir, along with their associates, formally joined the Apni Party on the occasion.
Giving a warm welcome to the new entrants, Bukhari said, “I wholeheartedly welcome you all to the Apni Party. I assure you that you will never regret your decision to join this party, because Apni Party is, at its core, a party of the people and is committed to serve the people. This party belongs neither to any individual nor to any particular family. It belongs to the people. Here, we are all equals, and each one of us is committed to serving the people with sincerity, honesty, and dedication.”
He further said, “The continuous joining of new members in the Apni Party reflects a growing realisation among the people that the party has always been genuine in its commitment to public issues and the interests of the people. It also shows that those who spread misleading propaganda against the party during the 2024 elections were deceiving people and deliberately creating misunderstandings and confusion among the masses about the Apni Party.”
Expressing his grave concern over the pathetic condition of Srinagar city and chronic neglect to its development and growth, Altaf Bukhari said, “Traditional political parties have always neglected Srinagar despite repeatedly receiving the mandate of its people. The residents of the city have suffered from a serious developmental deficit, particularly since 1990. Despite making tall promises and securing the people’s mandate time and again, these parties have failed to deliver meaningful development and basic amenities to the people of Srinagar. They have been denied the development, infrastructure, and civic facilities that should have been their rightful share.”
He further said, “Although people had voted for change and helped the PDP establish itself by giving it their mandate, hoping that it would emerge as an alternative to the dynastic politics of the NC. But unfortunately, the PDP too eventually turned into a family-based party.”
“We had hoped that, in the 2024 elections, people would not once again be deceived by these parties that are controlled or imposed from Delhi. Unfortunately, they once again fell prey to the propaganda of one such party and gave it a huge mandate. However, the ruling party now stands exposed before the people for its failures. The promises made to the people have not been fulfilled, and the ground reality is there for everyone to see. The people are now beginning to realise the difference between political rhetoric and genuine commitment to their welfare.”
Reiterating his demand for the Centre to initiate a dialogue with the people, particularly the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, Altaf Bukhari said: “What do our youth ask for? They simply want the right to live a dignified life and have sufficient livelihood opportunities here. This place does not have much scope for large-scale industries or a developed private sector. Secondly, we are geographically located in a region surrounded by countries that are hostile to us.”
“It is the responsibility of the Centre to understand the ground realities. Talk to the people, listen to their genuine issues and concerns, and then take concrete steps to address them. Our youth have chosen the path of peace. Now, the Centre must step forward and create opportunities and resources to secure a bright and prosperous future for them,” he added.
After the event, while responding to questions from reporters, Altaf Bukhari declined to comment on MP Aga Ruhullah’s reported possibility of resigning from the National Conference and his Lok Sabha membership, saying that it would be premature to comment on the matter at this stage.
However, he said, “Apparently, Aga Sahib has realised that the ruling NC has failed to provide effective governance and fulfil the promises it made to the people while seeking their mandate in the 2024 elections. Perhaps, like everyone else, he too has realised that the NC secured people’s votes through deception and false promises.”
He said, “Aga Sahib is a respected religious leader who has spoken well in Parliament and raised the issues and concerns of the people.”
Responding to a question, he said, “The ruling NC’s biggest failure has been its inability to fulfil the promises it made during the elections and implement its election manifesto.”