The only political party APNI PARTY which was formed after the removal of Article 370, demonstrated its strength in Srinagar on Tuesday. Addressing around 1500 people in front of the PDP office, the leaders of party fiercely targeted the teams involved in the Gupkar alliance, including the PDP.
Jammu and Kashmir President of the party, Syed Muhammad Altaf Bukhari said that people's participation in the District Development Council (DDC) elections has changed the story of Kashmir and now it is clear that elections and the political issue of Kashmir are different things.
Speaking on the sidelines of his party's first rally in Srinagar, Bukhari said that "the rally was attended by, businessmen, hoteliers, houseboat owners and other sections of society." "We wanted to show that we are with different stakeholders of Kashmir."
He said that a 'narrative' was set by various political parties in Jammu and Kashmir that casting votes would change the Kashmir issue, but the massive participation of people in the DDC elections shows that the common people have felt that "elections and Kashmir's political issue are two different things and this is the biggest win of those elections. They voted and now the party will work for the development. It has nothing to do with the Kashmiri issue."
Asked if he also blames the BJP for Kashmir's mess, Bukhari said, "I hold the BJP equally responsible as the NC, PDP and Congress for the situation in Jammu and Kashmir."
Bukhari said that his party is just nine months old since it was formed in March this year. "We have started to grow now and our party is very good and the way we are getting the support of the people, we have performed good in the DDC elections and today our party is everywhere. We may not sweep in these elections but will leave our mark," he said.
Bukhari said, "We do not claim that we will win the most in the DDC elections, but we will definitely leave our mark and make people feel our presence."
On the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Bukhari said, "D-Limitation Commission has been created. We have been told that elections are to be held after its report, I am hopeful that soon the Commission will give its report and election will be conducted."
"We will ensure that there is no injustice to any region or any district. If any discrimination (in de-limitation) is found, I will be the first person, who will stand against it with my party, Bukhari said."
This attempt by APNI party is seen as a show of strength to other Regional parties including the PDP and NC, who call it BJP's B team. During the show the party did campaign for DDC elections and also made a fierce attack on other political parties of the valley. They accused National Conference and PDP of doing politics of violence in Kashmir.
In this election meeting, people from different area of Kashmir attended it along with 1500 party workers all wanting a change and the end of dynasty politics.
Young Mukhtar, who had come to the rally said, "There was lack of leadership till date but now we got it in Altaf Saheb. We want end of bloodshed that has happened in the last thirty years and now we need to bring peace here. We feel that this is a change for peace."
Another supporter Sajad said, "It is up to the people to decide who will win. Our leaders are the people. People have seen work of our party leaders that’s why they are here. We want to end the dynasty rule."
Apni Party formed in March 2020, is a group of leaders who have been in Kashmir politics for decades. This party has some big faces from Kashmir, who came out of PDP, NC and Congress claiming that they will do politics to bring in new changes in Kashmir and will take people and Jammu and Kashmir together on the road of peace and development.