Anantnag, Apr 18: Apart from the National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates, Apni Party nominee Zaffar Iqbal Manhas also filed his nomination papers for the Anantnag-Rajouri seat on Thursday.
Manhas was accompanied by the senior party leaders Rafi Ahmad Mir and Usman Majid to the Returning Officer’s office in Anantnag.
After submitting his nomination papers, Manhas told reporters that it was up to the people to decide whom they elect as their representatives.
“It’s not about political stalwarts or heavyweights. The decision lies with the people. Only those leaders will emerge victorious whom they choose to elect,” Manhas said.
He said that these so-called big-wigs carried substantial baggage and there was an anti-incumbency sentiment against them.
“I don’t carry any baggage,” Manhas said.
The Apni Party leader said that he was not inferior to any candidate.
“Previously I was associated with PDP and served as the party’s star campaigner,” Manhas said.
He said that during his association with the NC, he helped the party in its difficult time.
“When they faced problems in Shopian after the Asiya-Nelofar episode, I organised a rally for the party,” Manhas said. He criticised both NC and PDP for betraying the people of J&K.
“In 1953, one party raised the flag, advocating plebiscite, and in 2014, another party sided with BJP,” Manhas said.