Srinagar, May 9: Chairman Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) today said that only he spoke in Parliament against the revocation of Article 370.
He alleged that MPs of National Conference (NC) and PDP failed to represent Kashmiris in the Parliament. Azad was addressing a public meeting and road show at Mujgund, Shalteng and Eidgah here.
He criticised the Kashmir based parties for deceiving the public regarding Article 370. “I was the sole voice advocating for its preservation while others remained conspicuously silent, with some even abstaining from voting against its abrogation,” Azad said.
The DPAP chairman urged the public to verify his claims by accessing the parliamentary speeches and vote records. He emphasised his commitment to the cause by recalling his symbolic protest of sitting on the parliament floor, leading to the government’s concession to restore statehood. However, he stressed that the fight is far from over, citing the need to reclaim land and job rights.
Azad stated that the Lok Sabha election is not solely about reinstating rights, but also about addressing pressing public concerns such as escalating electricity tariffs, unemployment, and various other issues affecting the people.
“During my tenure in Parliament, I was the sole advocate for Article 370, 35A and statehood while MPs from NC and PDP remained silent. Few of them even abstained from voting against it. If these elected representatives, chosen by the public, have failed to voice their concerns in Parliament, why have not they acknowledged their shortcomings? Why did not their parties field the same candidates in the parliamentary elections? Now, what can we expect from new candidates when the most senior leaders, elected last time, failed to deliver in Parliament,” he said.
Meanwhile, Azad expressed disappointment over the long-standing exploitation of the people under the guise of autonomy and self-rule. “Despite their previous fervour for these ideals, they now remain conspicuously silent on the matter, instead diverting attention with alternative slogans in an attempt to deceive the populace. The glaring absence of discourse on development is particularly troubling,” the DPAP chairman said. He said that native labourers and contractors find themselves sidelined as lucrative contracts are handed over to outsiders, exacerbating the economic woes of the local workforce.
“The exorbitant electricity fees further compound the burdens of the common folk, rendering basic amenities unaffordable. The absence of accountability only amplifies the frustrations of the people, who increasingly clamor for transparent governance and the restoration of democratic processes through government and assembly elections,” he said.