SRINAGAR: In a latest political development, former SMC Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu has announced his resignation from the J&K Apni Party, stating that “my convictions are no longer congruent” with the party’s ideology.
“It is with a heavy heart, and with all humility at my command, that I announce my decision to part ways with the J&K Apni Party. I extend my gratitude to our President Syed Muhammad Altaf Bukhari Sahab and my colleagues and wish them well,” the former Mayor of Srinagar City said in a statement issued to Kashmir Dot Com.
“During my Hajj pilgrimage earlier this year, I had taken a solemn pledge to uphold my conviction and do politics guided by my own principles and a sense of discerning the right from the wrong. Primarily underscored by this solemn pledge and based also on extensive consultations with my workers and supporters over the last five days, I have reached this decision.”
“One cannot and should not criticize what one has been a part of — for good or for bad. My best wishes are with Altaf Sahab, an elder brother who has been nothing but kind, protective, and large-hearted. However, my own convictions are no longer congruent or symmetrical with the ideology of the party, and in this situation — to still remain associated with the party or to contest elections as a party candidate would be outrightly disingenuous. My party is now at complete liberty to field an appropriate candidate from Zadibal in my place,” the statement said.
“I will address the media in a couple of days to share my views, answer questions, and perhaps outline my intentions and goals going forward.”
“Whatever I decide, my efforts will be aligned towards a life guided by my faith and an unadulterated conviction — as unpalatable or as inexpedient as it may be in the short term. And I have realized in the last few days, as I have been persecuted systematically for speaking my heart out, that speaking truth to power is not easy — but regardless of the consequences — it is the truth and it definitely needs to be spoken.”
“To my beloved and loyal workers and team — it is going to be tougher to remain by my side. We are going to face unimaginable challenges for speaking the truth and going against the grain of power. But I assure you — every single moment of my life going forward (in whatever capacity Allah ﷻ has written for me) will be a moment treated as a sacred duty to speak the truth and nothing but the truth. Our beloved Prophet ﷺ is our role model and I pray to Allah ﷻ to guide us towards the path of righteousness,” the statement added. (KDC)
