Leaders of the National Conference (NC), who secured victories in the recently concluded J&K Assembly elections, reaffirmed their commitment to their manifesto, particularly the restoration of statehood and Article 370.
Speaking at the party headquarters, Nawa-e-Subh complex in Srinagar, Sadiq, the NC leader who won the Zadibal seat in Srinagar stated that the BJP has been in power for the past ten years, and it’s time for them to experience the opposition.
“We are ready to face BJP as the opposition,” he asserted, emphasizing that the NC will not step back from its promises.
Sadiq emphasized there was no question of backtracking from the commitments made by the NC.
“We stand firm on our promises, including the restoration of Article 370, and we will fight vigorously to achieve it,” he stated.”Some people have been spreading false rumors of a U-turn for their personal gains, but we remain committed to our manifesto and to serving the people of Kashmir.”
Justice (Rtd) Hasnain Masoodi, who won the Pampore seat by defeating PDP’s Zahoor Mir, said, “After 32 years, the people have placed immense trust in us, and it’s our duty to honor that.”
He further highlighted the strategy used against the NC, where independent candidates were fielded across Kashmir to split votes. However, he noted, the public saw through the tactic and voted wisely.
On Article 370, Masoodi reiterated that restoring the special status taken away on August 5, 2019, is the party’s primary promise. “There is no question of changing our stance. If other regions like Nagaland can have protections over land ownership, why should it be a challenge to India’s sovereignty in J&K?” he argued.
Nazir Gurezi, who won the Gurez seat for NC, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming mandate given to the party. “It is now the responsibility of the party to serve the people and fulfill every promise made,” Gurezi affirmed.