||Black and White Digital News||

||Parvinder Singh August 03,2024 ||

Jammu : The political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a seismic shift as former minister Usman Majid’s resignation from the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) sent shockwaves through the party and beyond. Majid’s unexpected exit, compounded by the party’s dismal performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections, has ignited speculations about an impending mass exodus of leaders from the four-year-old political outfit.

Usman Majid, a two-time MLA from Bandipora and a formidable figure in north Kashmir, has not yet unveiled his future plans. However, insiders suggest that his departure could be the harbinger of a broader discontent simmering within the JKAP. Many senior leaders, disillusioned by the party’s electoral failures, are reportedly exploring opportunities with other political entities.

Electoral Setback:The JKAP’s recent electoral debacle in the Lok Sabha elections has exacerbated the crisis. Despite the backing of the BJP, the party’s candidates fared poorly, failing to secure significant voter support. In the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, JKAP candidate Zafar Iqbal Manhas garnered 1,42,195 votes but lost by a staggering margin of 3,79,641 votes. Similarly, in the Srinagar Parliamentary seat, Mohammad Ashraf Mir secured only 35,954 votes, losing by 2,90,912 votes.

Formed on March 8, 2020, by ex-members of the PDP and Congress, the JKAP had lofty ambitions. Altaf Bukhari was elected as the party’s first president, with Usman Majid serving as vice-president. However, the party’s failure to make a significant impact in the elections has raised serious concerns about its future viability.

A Unified Stance:Majid’s resignation, accompanied by hundreds of his supporters, has dealt a severe blow to the JKAP, particularly in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, where all party units have decided to resign in solidarity with Majid. In a statement, Majid emphasized that the decision to part ways with the JKAP was made after careful consideration and reflects a unified stance among the Bandipora units.

“I am not in a hurry,” Majid stated. “After resigning from the Apni Party, I will hold discussions with my party workers and supporters at the grassroots to announce the future course of action. This period of reflection and consultation will ensure that any future steps are taken in the best interests of the people of Bandipora. The goal is to forge a path that is more attuned to the aspirations and expectations of the people of Bandipora.”

A Leader’s Journey:Usman Majid’s political journey has been marked by resilience and adaptability. Initially elected as an independent candidate in 2002, he later joined the Mufti Muhammad Sayeed-led PDP-Congress coalition as Minister of State for Finance. He reclaimed the Bandipora Assembly seat in the 2014 elections, defeating PDP’s Nizamuddin Bhat. In February 2020, Majid resigned from the Congress to join the newly formed JKAP, only to part ways with the party four years later.

The Road Ahead:As the JKAP grapples with the fallout from Majid’s resignation, the party’s leadership faces an uphill battle to restore confidence among its ranks. The potential exodus of more leaders could further weaken the party’s position, forcing it to reevaluate its strategies and reconnect with its base.

Majid’s decision to consult with his supporters before charting his next political move underscores the importance of grassroots engagement in shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape. His next steps, closely watched by political observers and constituents alike, will undoubtedly influence the region’s evolving dynamics.

The resignation of Usman Majid has not only highlighted the internal strife within the JKAP but also underscored the broader challenges facing the party. As leaders contemplate their futures and seek more promising political affiliations, the JKAP must confront its failures and strategize for a revival. In this critical juncture, the party’s ability to navigate these turbulent times will determine its survival and relevance in Jammu and Kashmir’s complex political arena.