Srinagar, 11-03-2024 : CPM leader M Y Tarigami addressed the emerging discord within the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), expressing his commitment to resolving the fissures among its constituents, particularly the National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), regarding seat allocation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Kashmir.
Formed as a response to the revocation of Article 370 of the Constitution by the Centre in August 2019, the PAGD comprises seven political parties, including prominent players like the NC and the PDP. Tarigami, serving as the spokesperson of the PAGD, acknowledged the existence of recent disagreements among its members, stressing his dedication to bridging the emerging divides.
While reminiscing on the PAGD’s inception, Tarigami emphasized its broader purpose beyond electoral alliances, underscoring that the coalition was formed to address significant regional issues. He pointed out that recent events have somewhat diluted this collective vision, with disagreements persisting even during the District Development Council (DDC) polls in 2020.
The NC’s reluctance to relinquish any of the three Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir, which it secured in the 2019 general elections, has sparked tensions within the PAGD. Tarigami acknowledged the PDP’s objection to the NC’s unilateral decision, highlighting the need for consensus within the alliance.
Expressing concern over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Kashmir, Tarigami voiced disappointment over the lack of substantive outcomes from the visit, accusing authorities of coercing attendance at the PM’s rally. He criticized the administration’s partisan involvement in organizing a political event and underscored the importance of voluntary participation in such gatherings.
Tarigami also contested the PM’s assertion linking violence and terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir to Article 370’s abrogation, arguing that such violence stems from the denial of basic democratic and human rights. He urged for the restoration of democracy and the protection of citizens’ rights to address the root causes of conflict in the region.