Young faces take centre stage in Baramulla’s political landscape

Baramulla, Dec 21: Young faces are taking the centre stage in Baramulla’s political landscape as the political conventions organised in the town draw massive crowds.

Over the past few weeks, the town is witnessing more young faces taking active part in mainstream politics even as the old political parties are introducing young faces while the elders remain at the back stage. It was evident on Sunday at the political convention of a young Politician from the Baramulla town Touseef Raina, who is also the former Chairman of Baramulla Municipal Council (BMC).

Despite the harsh weather, his rally, organised at Dak Bungalow Baramulla, witnessed a massive gathering of people from all age groups. “We have experienced that all the politicians disappear after the elections irrespective of winning or losing elections. But he always remains connected with people on ground,” said Naveed Ahmad, one of the supporters at the event.

In his address at the convention, Raina, who made an unsuccessful attempt in the last Assembly elections, accused the CM Omar Abdullah led government of betraying the people of Jammu & Kashmir.

“In his interviews our CM claims to have enough funds available but where is the money being utilised then. Why are the bills of our contractors unpaid,” Raina said. He said that the present political leadership of J&K was often meeting the Delhi government and remained disconnected with the people here. “Despite getting a huge mandate from the people, the present government has betrayed the people as all the slogans and claims made during election rallies are nowhere implemented on ground,” Touseef Raina said.

He said there was a complete contradiction between what was “claimed” during the election and the situation on ground. “The government failed to deliver its promises on ground. People are fed up with their hollow slogans,” he said and the venue reverberated with slogans in his favour. Touseef Raina said the political convention was not organised through paid participation but the people joined it out of their will and conviction.

“This is not a gathering of paid crowds and no one was brought here with money, food, or favors. People came in their own vehicles, using their own fuel. I express my gratitude to them,” he said and the venue reverberated with slogans in his favour.

Earlier, J&K Peoples Conference (JKPC) also organised a youth convention at the same venue. The convention was organised with an aim to reconnect with the youth.

Over the past few months, Baramulla is witnessing a shift in the political landscape as more youth are coming forward in mainstream politics. Youth are joining mainstream political parties and have garnered more public attention. These young faces are seen showing more interest in debating public issues and corner the senior politicians on different fronts for their inability to address the public issues. “I have always encouraged youth to join the mainstream. I talked about democracy even when youth were hesitant to come forward and even I face threats for that as well. But it is a positive change that we all want,” Touseef Raina said. Raina said youth have to join hands as a support system for each other to bring a change in the prevailing political system.