Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Sept 16: If the National Conference (NC) secures an absolute majority in the Assembly elections, it will pass a resolution and move again to the Supreme Court for the restoration of Articles 370 and 35-A, said Tanvir Sadiq, the party’s Chief Spokesperson and candidate for the Zadibal segment.
In an exclusive interview with Excelsior, Tanvir mentioned that the NC has a roadmap for restoring Article 370, adding that those who have “cropped up suddenly” aim to create hurdles by dividing votes.
“When the NC secures an absolute or at least a two-thirds majority, we will pass a resolution and move to the Supreme Court seeking the restoration of Article 370. This is our roadmap, and those who have suddenly appeared are only creating obstacles by focusing on dividing the vote,” he said.
The NC leader stated that Delhi has presented the abrogation of Article 370 “as if the people are happy,” adding that the party has placed the restoration of identity as its top priority in the manifesto.
“It took the BJP 70 years to scrap the special status, so why should we lose hope so soon?”
Responding to recent comments by LG Manoj Sinha, who called for a “secret ballot” to evaluate the welfare work done in J&K, Tanvir remarked, “Why a secret ballot? You will see where the BJP stands once the election results are out. He will soon find out his popularity.”
On Engineer Rashid’s release, Tanvir pointed out that there are thousands in jails, including political prisoners, questioning why only Rashid was released.
He emphasized that this move is intended to weaken the NC. “It doesn’t take a rocket Science to understand what’s going on.”
Tanvir further said, “He (Engineer Rashid) doesn’t have a party and is an independent candidate. Whenever there are independent candidates, there’s often a sell-out. He will likely be back in jail, and what will happen to the independents who are with him? These people only want to create division and weaken the NC.”
Regarding Engineer Rashid’s victory in the Lok Sabha elections, Tanvir suggested that it was “driven by emotions.”
“Wherever there is NC stronghold, he (Engineer) is going there. The common man cannot even speak, but Rashid talks about everything. He knows how to deceive people, and that’s exactly what he’s doing.”
The NC Spokesperson stressed that the party’s manifesto is substantial and not just for show.
“It has irritated the Home Minister, which says a lot. People want their identity back, and that is our priority. People believe what happened in 2019 was without their consent.”