Altaf Bukhari Questions NC & PDP: Debate Over Article 370, 35A, and Statehood Intensifies in Jammu & Kashmir

The political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir continues to remain dynamic and deeply contested, especially on core issues such as Article 370, Article 35A, and the restoration of statehood. In a recent development, Syed Muhammad Altaf Bukhari, president of the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party, launched a sharp attack on two major regional parties—the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party—accusing them of misleading the public.

This statement has once again brought the debate surrounding Jammu and Kashmir’s political future into the spotlight, raising important questions about governance, representation, and accountability.

Political Context: Why Article 370 and 35A Still Matter

To understand the significance of Altaf Bukhari’s remarks, it is essential to revisit the importance of Article 370 and Article 35A. These provisions once granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, allowing it to have its own constitution and autonomy over internal matters.

However, in August 2019, the Government of India abrogated Article 370 and nullified Article 35A, reorganizing the state into two Union Territories. This move drastically altered the political and administrative framework of the region.

Since then, regional political parties have consistently demanded:

Restoration of Article 370
Reinstatement of Article 35A
Return of full statehood

These demands remain central to political discourse, making Bukhari’s criticism particularly significant.

Altaf Bukhari’s Accusations Against NC and PDP

Speaking during a political event in Srinagar, Syed Muhammad Altaf Bukhari accused the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of “throwing dust in the eyes of the people.” According to him, these parties have failed to deliver on their promises regarding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.

He questioned the credibility of alliances like the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), which was formed to collectively fight for the restoration of Article 370.

His remarks—“Where is 370? Where is 35A? Where is statehood?”—reflect growing frustration among sections of the political class and the public regarding the lack of tangible progress.

The Rise of Apni Party and Its Political Strategy

The Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party, led by Bukhari, has adopted a different political approach compared to traditional regional parties. Instead of confrontation, the party emphasizes engagement with the central government and administrative authorities, including the Lieutenant Governor.

Bukhari defended this strategy by stating that his party has focused on practical issues affecting the people, such as:

Passport verifications
Amnesty-related concerns
Youth employment opportunities

He also claimed that his party played a role in safeguarding land and job rights after 2019, despite being criticized by rivals as being aligned with New Delhi.

Reservation Policy and Employment Debate

Another key highlight of Bukhari’s statement was his stance on the reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir. He advocated for a population-based job distribution system, arguing that representation should reflect demographic realities.

His statement—“A population of 70 percent cannot have 30 percent jobs”—points to a broader debate on fairness and equity in government employment.

This issue is particularly relevant in Jammu and Kashmir, where regional and community-based disparities often shape political narratives. Calls for reform in reservation policies may gain traction as unemployment continues to be a major concern among youth.

Criticism of Traditional Political Leadership

Bukhari also targeted long-standing political leadership in the region, accusing them of failing to deliver over decades. He stated that he has not criticized any specific community but rather those who have governed Jammu and Kashmir for the past 75 years.

This criticism is part of a larger trend where newer political actors challenge established parties by highlighting:

Governance failures
Lack of development
Unfulfilled promises

Such narratives are increasingly resonating with younger voters who are looking for tangible results rather than political rhetoric.

The Role of PAGD and Opposition Unity

The Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration was formed as a united front by regional parties to advocate for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.

However, Bukhari’s criticism suggests cracks in the perceived unity of opposition forces. By questioning PAGD’s effectiveness, he has raised doubts about whether collective political efforts have yielded any meaningful outcomes.

This raises important questions:

Has the alliance been effective in achieving its goals?
Are regional parties losing public trust?
Is there a need for a new political approach?

Public Sentiment and Ground Reality

The people of Jammu and Kashmir remain at the center of this political debate. Issues like employment, development, identity, and governance directly impact daily life.

While traditional parties continue to focus on constitutional and political restoration, newer players like the Apni Party emphasize governance and immediate relief measures.

This divergence in priorities reflects a broader shift in public expectations:

From symbolic politics to practical governance
From promises to performance
From confrontation to collaboration

Challenges Ahead for Jammu and Kashmir Politics

The political future of Jammu and Kashmir remains uncertain and complex. Key challenges include:

1. Restoration of Statehood

The demand for restoring full statehood continues to be a major political issue. While the central government has indicated that statehood may be restored at an appropriate time, no clear timeline has been provided.

2. Trust Deficit

There is a growing trust deficit between political parties and the public. Statements like those made by Bukhari highlight internal divisions and competing narratives.

3. Youth Unemployment

With a large youth population, unemployment remains a pressing issue. Political parties will need to offer concrete solutions rather than ideological debates.

4. Political Realignment

The emergence of new parties and shifting alliances could redefine the region’s political dynamics in the coming years.

Conclusion: A Turning Point in Regional Politics

The remarks by Syed Muhammad Altaf Bukhari have added a new dimension to the ongoing political discourse in Jammu and Kashmir. By directly challenging established parties like the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party, he has positioned the Apni Party as an alternative voice.

At the heart of this debate lie critical questions about identity, governance, and the future of the region. While the restoration of Article 370 and statehood remains a long-standing demand, the focus is gradually shifting toward governance, development, and accountability.

For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the real test will be which political vision translates into meaningful change on the ground.

As the region moves forward, one thing is clear: the political narrative is evolving, and the coming years could prove निर्णायक (decisive) in shaping the destiny of Jammu and Kashmir.

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