Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari criticizes the ruling party for neglecting public issues in Srinagar, highlighting unfulfilled promises and a development deficit.
New Delhi, India Jul 26, 2026 ALN: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the ruling party’s legislators from Srinagar, accusing them of securing votes in the 2024 Assembly elections through “false promises” and then abandoning the very people who had reposed faith in them.
Claiming that a “development deficit” now prevails across Srinagar, Bukhari alleged that the ruling party, despite winning all eight Assembly constituencies in the city, has failed to address the problems confronting residents, particularly unemployment, poverty, housing shortages and civic issues.
Bukhari made these remarks while addressing a gathering at the Apni Party headquarters here during a function organised to felicitate Zaffar Habib on his election as the party’s District President for Srinagar.
Referring to the ruling party’s election campaign, Bukhari said the people were persuaded to vote on the basis of promises that have remained unfulfilled. “During the elections, the ruling party leaders misled the people with false promises while seeking their votes. They promised free electricity, free LPG cylinders, an additional ration quota, and one lakh jobs soon after the formation of the government, the regularisation of daily-wagers, and several other such promises.
Trusting these assurances, the people gave them a mandate. However, after coming to power, these leaders have chosen to ignore both the people and the issues they had pledged to address,” he said.
He alleged that instead of fulfilling their commitments, the elected representatives had distanced themselves from the people who elected them. “These so-called representatives won votes by making false promises and raising unrealistic hopes among the people. However, after the ruling party secured victories in all eight Assembly constituencies of Srinagar, they have completely ignored the public’s issues and grievances, leaving the people feeling betrayed and disregarded,” he said.
Questioning the elected legislators over what he described as their inaction, Bukhari asked, “How do you sleep while the people who voted for you continue to suffer miseries and injustice?” The Apni Party president said the party’s grassroots presence enabled it to understand the worsening condition of the city and the hardships being faced by its residents.
“As Apni Party continues to strengthen its roots across Srinagar and remains closely connected with the people at the grassroots, we have first-hand knowledge of the city’s worsening condition. The people, especially the youth, are struggling with poverty, unemployment, inadequate housing, and several other pressing issues. Yet those whom they elected to power in the 2024 Assembly elections have shown little interest in addressing these issues. Instead of fulfilling the promises they made, these representatives have chosen to remain indifferent to the hardships and aspirations of the people,” he said.
Expressing concern over what he termed the “pathetic condition” of Srinagar, Bukhari said the city was facing a serious development deficit and that the concerns of ordinary citizens were not receiving the attention they deserved. He particularly highlighted the plight of young people, alleging that many continue to face harassment while employment opportunities remain scarce.
“We are deeply connected with the city and its people. It pains us to witness the misery and hardships they are enduring. Our youth, in particular, are facing immense challenges. Many are frequently summoned to police stations and subjected to unnecessary harassment. They lack adequate employment opportunities and are being deprived of the dignified life they deserve,” he said.
Bukhari said the Apni Party would continue to raise issues affecting the people of Srinagar at every available platform and would strive to secure both immediate relief and long-term solutions.
“I assure you that Apni Party will leave no stone unturned to raise their issues and grievances at every appropriate forum and work tirelessly to ensure they are addressed through both immediate relief measures and long-term, sustainable solutions,” he added.
Congratulating Zaffar Habib on his election as the party’s District President for Srinagar, Bukhari expressed confidence that the new organisational responsibility would further strengthen the Apni Party in the district.
“I extend my heartfelt greetings and warm wishes to you. I hope that your appointment to this new position in the organisation will contribute to further strengthening the party in Srinagar and advancing its mission of serving the people,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Apni Party General Secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir described Habib’s election as a reflection of the party’s internal democratic culture.
“I congratulate Zaffar Sahib on being elected as the District President of the party. He was elected through a democratic process, which reflects the values that Apni Party believes in. We have fostered a strong democratic culture within the party, and this election is a testament to that commitment,” Mir said.
He assured Habib of the party leadership’s support in carrying out his responsibilities.
“I express my heartfelt happiness on the election of Zaffar Sahib. We will stand by him and extend our full support whenever he needs us. I wish him every success in carrying out his responsibilities and serving the people and the party,” Mir added.
Among those present at the function were Chairman of the Political Affairs Committee Mohammad Dilawar Mir, Provincial President Kashmir Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Chief Spokesperson and State Secretary Muntazir Mohiuddin, Media Advisor Farooq Andrabi, Women’s Wing President Dilshad Shaheen, District President Kupwara Raja Manzoor, State Organiser and Spokesperson Dr. Harbaksh Singh, Spokesperson Ishrat Bashir Bhat, Organiser Central Kashmir Mohammad Shafi Mir, Provincial Secretaries Abdul Rashid Bhat and Shiraza Malik, Provincial Joint Secretary Abdul Rehman Wani, District Vice President Budgam Mukhtar Ahmad Dar, Youth Joint Secretary Srinagar Mudasir Wali, Tehseen Farooq, Dr. Bilal, Afroza Khan, Sabiha Bhat and other party functionaries.
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