The National Conference has seen a significant boost in its influence following the announcement of support from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) for the National Conference candidate, Mian Altaf, on the Anantnag-Rajouri seat.
Addressing a press conference, Ghulam Nabi Malik, a senior leader and close aide of Mohammed Yusuf Tarigami said that the party has decided to support the Jammu Kashmir National Conference on the Anantnag-Rajouri seat.
MY Tarigami, a powerful leader from south Kashmir, has served as the representative of the Kulgam Assembly Constituency in the Jammu Kashmir Legislative Assembly during the years 1996, 2002, 2008, and 2014.
Tarigami also holds the position of Central Committee Member within the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and has formerly served as the state secretary of CPI(M) in Kashmir.
Born on July 17, 1949, into a farming family in Tarigam village of Kulgam, carries the name of his birthplace. His father, the late Ghulam Rasool Rather, raised him in this rural setting. However, due to the political unrest in Kashmir, Tarigami couldn’t sit for his B.A. Final Year exams.
During the last few years, Tarigami has been one of the most vocal leaders in the valley regarding the treatment meted at Kashmiris post the abrogation of Article 370.
The addition of Tarigami, experts say, will help the National Conference, in parts of Kulgam where Tarigami received a total 20,574 votes in 2014. In 2008, he received a total of 81,348 votes.
In addition to Mian Altaf, Mehbooba Mufti, the leader of the People’s Democratic Party, is also vying for the Lok Sabha seat scheduled for polls on April 19. Political analysts note that Mehbooba Mufti, with her robust support base in south Kashmir, injects further intrigue into the contest for the Anantnag-Rajouri seat.