‘Govt formation not my objective’
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 2: Enough of sloganeering; now is the time to work for the people to ensure development and accountability in the system, Member of Parliament Er. Sheikh Rashid said today, emphasizing that post-elections, Government formation is not his objective.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the Kulangam bridge in north Kashmir’s Handwara, he highlighted the role of elected representatives as a bridge between the Government and the people, stressing their responsibility to work for the public’s betterment. He noted that people are suffering even for basic amenities.
“For me, it’s important to address both the aspirations of the people and development. Elected representatives must ensure public service. People have engaged in immense sloganeering, showered us with love and support, but we also carry a responsibility, as an elected person is a bridge between the people and the Government,” he said.
“My objective is not the formation of a Government. I am against, and will raise my voice against, what happened to the people of J&K, which was an act of aggression,” he added.
He pledged to work for the people across the 18 Assembly segments of north Kashmir and stressed the need for accountability, urging public servants to fulfill their duties.
“I urge the administration to work for the people. You can see the Kulangam bridge has developed cracks, and I call upon the Beacon authorities to take notice, as it connects to the highway,” he said.
The MP also visited a nearby New Type Primary Health Centre, where he found it locked. “If a hospital remains closed at 11 a.m., what does that say about its overall condition?” he asked.
“I am waiting for action from the authorities in this regard. If there is no action, we will handle it in our way to ensure compliance. Enough of sloganeering-now is the time to work for the people. I urge LG Manoj Sinha to take note, as he speaks of accountability and claims to have removed all the ills from the system,” he said.
He also asked people to pray for his bail so he could continue to serve the public.
“I will pursue my vision and work for the improvement of the education system and other basic amenities. We must ensure accountability, and I am hopeful of success in my mission to serve the people,” he added.
Rashid pointed out that work on the Bangar Gund bridge has been ongoing for years, with authorities failing to complete it.
“I again urge the LG to take note. There is another bridge in my area-I started its construction when I was the MLA, but after I was jailed, the project was forgotten,” he said
He noted that people in the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency, including Pattan, Tangmarg, and several areas of Budgam, are suffering from a lack of basic amenities.
“The roads are in poor condition, and there is also an issue with drinking water. If this is ‘Naya Kashmir,’ it is unacceptable to us,” he added.
“You won’t find the new MLAs, except for those from the AIP party, among the people. The public will look for them but won’t find them. That’s why I told people yesterday that they will be valued only until the evening, and after that, no one will look for them,” he said.