Srinagar, Oct 11 ( KINS) : CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami emphasized that the newly formed government in Jammu and Kashmir must maintain a flexible approach in its interactions with the BJP-led Centre. He urged the government to effectively communicate the people’s demands to New Delhi and encourage the Union government to pay attention to the prevailing conditions in the region.
“We will do whatever is possible on our part to convey a strong message to the government in Delhi, the demands of the people here, and appeal to them to listen to the ground situation in Kashmir. There should be no rigidity. We have to move forward, and for that, the restoration of the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is key. We will together demand that on the floor of the House,” Tarigami stated during an interview with PTI Videos. He recently secured his position in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly for the fifth consecutive time, representing Kulgam in south Kashmir.
Addressing a controversy regarding the proposed nomination of five MLAs by the lieutenant governor, Tarigami assured that the coalition has adequate strength in the Assembly to handle any situation. “But the fact remains that a state was downgraded into a Union Territory and reduced to the level of a bigger municipality. Furthermore, an amendment was introduced—the Reorganisation Act—that further disempowered the legislature, diminished the cabinet’s authority, and empowered the nominee of the Government of India,” he remarked.
The newly elected MLA expressed hope for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, promising, “We will not disappoint them.” He asserted that every institution in the country is obligated to uphold the constitutional mandate of the people, including in Jammu and Kashmir, stating, “That will not be a favor to us; that is our legitimate right.”
Reflecting on his election to the Assembly for a fifth time, Tarigami attributed his success to the trust and long-standing relationship he has built with the people. “They know me, they know what I have done for them and what I have not. They are the real judges. I have always respected and appreciated their judgment. They are wise and know how to make choices, not only in Kulgam but elsewhere as well,” he said.
When questioned about former members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami participating in the recent Assembly polls, Tarigami acknowledged that the electoral process is open to everyone. However, he expressed concerns about the influence of “unseen hands” sponsoring candidates or proxies. “But people understand who is who. There were different groups who were not genuinely asking for a certain amount of support but were pushed to. However, they made their choice,” he noted, adding that the people voted wisely.
“I am proud of the people’s choice and the mandate that they have given,” he affirmed. Regarding potential cabinet participation, Tarigami clarified, “I have never aspired to be in the government. There were offers and opportunities in the past, but my party did not agree to those.”
On the disappointing electoral performance of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in south Kashmir, traditionally its stronghold, Tarigami remarked that the party once enjoyed significant support but has failed to present itself as a viable alternative in the current political landscape. “That speaks for what they have done and what they have not. But the party may have learned its lessons. The journey is a longer one, and we might have to go together,” he commented.
Finally, when asked if the new government could encounter obstacles similar to those in Delhi, Tarigami asserted that the ruling coalition would address any challenges collectively. “Why should we speculate? Whenever there are hurdles, we will face those. We know how to act together and confront emergency situations,” he concluded. ( KINS)
