Excelsior Correspondent
Pattan, Sept 28: National Conference (NC) candidate from Pattan Assembly constituency and retired Senior Superintendent of Police, Javid Riyaz Bedar, today accused his opponent and Peoples Conference (PC) candidate, Imran Ansari, of lying to the people.
Responding to a vilification campaign launched by his opponent, Bedar accused the PC leader of lying to divert public attention.
“He is a Maulana, and I respect his position, but he is lying. I have a transparent reputation. He’s facing defeat, and people are questioning him about the work he has done,” the NC candidate told the the Excelsior in an interview.
“I’ve also reported the matter to the Election Commission of India (ECI). We will ensure he learns a lesson about manners and telling the truth,” he said.
Bedar said that the NC took a lead of 4,000 votes over the PC in the Pattan Assembly segment in this year’s Lok Sabha polls and hoped to take more lead this time.
“In the Lok Sabha elections, we led the People’s Conference (PC) by more than 4,000 votes for the first time. We are hoping for a similar outcome this time as well,” he said.
On voter participation, Bedar expressed optimism, stating that the NC has a committed voter base, and with increased turnout, he is hopeful that people will vote in large numbers.
On the entry of ex-bureaucrats into electoral politics, and in response to the criticism from PDP President Mehbooba Mufti, Bedar said, “An experienced bureaucrat can be a valuable addition to governance because they understand both the law and administrative challenges.”
He also questioned Mufti’s stance, saying, “I want to ask her-she secured votes in 2014 by telling people she would keep the BJP away, and then joined them. Now, we are in this situation. The PDP should take responsibility for what has been done.”
Bedar said that Pattan has lacked proper representation for decades, leading to severe issues for its people.
He highlighted the range of problems faced by the constituency, from lack of drinking water and poor road conditions to inadequate healthcare and educational infrastructure.
“Pattan has a rich historical significance, but over time, things have changed. There hasn’t been proper representation for the people living here. The focus has not been on their welfare,” he said.
Detailing the specific issues faced by the Pattan constituency, the NC leader pointed out the poor state of healthcare and the electricity supply, as well as the major problem of water scarcity that affects the entire area.
“Pattan is far less developed compared to other parts of Kashmir,” he said. “In one area, Alambal, people have to walk long distances just to fetch drinking water. The lack of basic facilities is so severe that men there are facing difficulties even in getting married. Roads are in terrible condition.”
He further noted, “The fruit industry is deteriorating, with no innovation or technological inputs. Pattan lags behind other areas of Kashmir in development.”
When asked what the NC plans to do if he wins the election, Bedar explained that the party has released an actionable document focusing on several areas, including job creation and relief from inflated power bills.
“We will also focus on providing scholarships to students so they can access quality education. There’s a need for more playgrounds, and we’ll ensure these are made available even in rural areas. Additionally, we aim to modernize the horticulture sector to increase yield,” he added.
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