Tarigam (Jammu and Kashmir), Amid intense political activity in the Kashmir Valley and despite the presence of Jamaat-e-Islami strongholds in the region, Kulgam stands firm as the hammer, sickle and star bastion of the CPI(M) .
CPI(M) state secretary and four-time Kulgam MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami actively campaigned for fellow National Conference candidate Mian Altaf of the party's People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) through lively road shows.
Altaf is contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Anantnag-Rajore constituency, where elections are being held on Saturday.
At the age of 75, Tarigami – who has kept the CPI(M) flag flying high in the region even in challenging times – expressed his determination while casting his vote at Tarigam village in south Kashmir's Kulgam.
"Today, we got an opportunity and the people of Kashmir used it in the best way to register their protest against what happened in August 2019," he said after exercising his franchise at a polling booth in his native Tarigam village. Did.,
Tarigami said, "Voting is our constitutional right and we have been doing it forever... People are angry at being deprived of the rights given by the Constitution and are gathering at polling stations to register their protest through ballot papers. Are."
In August 2019, the Center abrogated Article 370 that provided special status to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the erstwhile state into two union territories.
He said that people were promised a respectable life and employment opportunities but they remained unfulfilled.
He said, “This is the only option left for the people to express their anger. It is always the best option and I have also registered my protest through my ballot.,
The senior CPI(M) leader said there was no point in celebrating.
"What will they (people) celebrate? Upgrading and dividing their state, not holding assembly elections and (being under proxy rule). They are voting to register their protest," he said.
Reflecting on his past struggles, Tarigami shared insights about his political journey and his name change.
He smiled and said, “My name is Mohammad Yusuf Rather.This was changed in the late 1970s because I was one of the first people to file a case under the Public Safety Act. After that, the name of my village got added to my name."
Tarigam village is abuzz with political excitement as the elections are celebrated as a festival, with echoes of Faiz Ahmed Faiz's "Hum Madhataksh Aayi Duniya Ke" from the movie "Mazdoor".
Despite the obstacles, Tarigami rallied support for Altaf by stressing the importance of unity within the PAGD.
He also praised Altaf's secular values and highlighted the popular support for the CPI(M) in the region.The party's district secretary, Mohammad Abbas, along with Rather, roams around Tarigam village and receives warm greetings from the local people.
His leadership and dedication to marginalized communities have strengthened the position of CPI(M) in Kulgam.
The local people of Kulgam recognize Tarigami's unwavering commitment towards their development and welfare, which is reflected in their continued support over the years. During challenging times, Tarigami's leadership has been instrumental in guiding the region towards progress.
In the face of political changes following the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, Tarigami emerged as a vocal opponent, and demonstrated his steadfast advocacy for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.As the political landscape evolves, Tarigami's presence in Kulga serves as a symbol of flexibility and principled leadership, earning respect across party lines for his unwavering dedication to the community.
CPI(M) state secretary and four-time Kulgam MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami actively campaigned for fellow National Conference candidate Mian Altaf of the party's People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) through lively road shows.
Altaf is contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Anantnag-Rajore constituency, where elections are being held on Saturday.
At the age of 75, Tarigami – who has kept the CPI(M) flag flying high in the region even in challenging times – expressed his determination while casting his vote at Tarigam village in south Kashmir's Kulgam.
"Today, we got an opportunity and the people of Kashmir used it in the best way to register their protest against what happened in August 2019," he said after exercising his franchise at a polling booth in his native Tarigam village. Did.,
Tarigami said, "Voting is our constitutional right and we have been doing it forever... People are angry at being deprived of the rights given by the Constitution and are gathering at polling stations to register their protest through ballot papers. Are."
In August 2019, the Center abrogated Article 370 that provided special status to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the erstwhile state into two union territories.
He said that people were promised a respectable life and employment opportunities but they remained unfulfilled.
He said, “This is the only option left for the people to express their anger. It is always the best option and I have also registered my protest through my ballot.,
The senior CPI(M) leader said there was no point in celebrating.
"What will they (people) celebrate? Upgrading and dividing their state, not holding assembly elections and (being under proxy rule). They are voting to register their protest," he said.
Reflecting on his past struggles, Tarigami shared insights about his political journey and his name change.
He smiled and said, “My name is Mohammad Yusuf Rather.This was changed in the late 1970s because I was one of the first people to file a case under the Public Safety Act. After that, the name of my village got added to my name."
Tarigam village is abuzz with political excitement as the elections are celebrated as a festival, with echoes of Faiz Ahmed Faiz's "Hum Madhataksh Aayi Duniya Ke" from the movie "Mazdoor".
Despite the obstacles, Tarigami rallied support for Altaf by stressing the importance of unity within the PAGD.
He also praised Altaf's secular values and highlighted the popular support for the CPI(M) in the region.The party's district secretary, Mohammad Abbas, along with Rather, roams around Tarigam village and receives warm greetings from the local people.
His leadership and dedication to marginalized communities have strengthened the position of CPI(M) in Kulgam.
The local people of Kulgam recognize Tarigami's unwavering commitment towards their development and welfare, which is reflected in their continued support over the years. During challenging times, Tarigami's leadership has been instrumental in guiding the region towards progress.
In the face of political changes following the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, Tarigami emerged as a vocal opponent, and demonstrated his steadfast advocacy for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.As the political landscape evolves, Tarigami's presence in Kulga serves as a symbol of flexibility and principled leadership, earning respect across party lines for his unwavering dedication to the community.
