Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra and Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) candidate Muhammad Ashraf Mir joined the race for the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat by filing their nomination papers on Wednesday. Mr. Parra, who faced arrest and detention under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in 2020, was accompanied by senior PDP leaders as he submitted his nomination papers in Srinagar. Expressing the party’s commitment, Mr. Parra stated that the PDP will endeavor to represent the aspirations of the youth in Parliament and engage in democratic resistance. He highlighted the party’s role in voicing the concerns of the people and reflecting their struggles after August 5, 2019, when the central government revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. He praised PDP President Mehbooba Mufti for her unwavering support during a time when other political leaders hesitated to speak out. The PDP organized a rally that culminated at the iconic Ghanta Ghar (clock tower), where they chanted slogans against the National Conference and in support of the PDP. PDP leader Nayeem Akhtar, who accompanied Mr. Parra, emphasized that the public’s enthusiastic support is a testament to the party’s continued relevance, dismissing claims that the PDP has waned in popularity. J&K Apni Party candidate Muhammad Ashraf Mir also submitted his nomination papers. He urged voters to reject traditional parties and their leaders, who he accused of deceiving the public through empty promises and divisive political rhetoric. Mr. Mir criticized these parties for establishing “family rule” and perpetuating policies that have led to violence and hardship. He called on voters to elect those who will work to address the challenges faced by the people, including unemployment, lack of development, and human rights violations. National Conference candidate Agha Ruhullah Mehdi, a three-time legislator, has yet to file his nomination papers but is expected to do so on Thursday, the last day for nominations. The Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency is scheduled to go to polls on May 13, 2024.
Srinagar Lok Sabha Elections 2024: PDP’s Parra, Apni Party’s Mir File Nomination Papers
