Bijbehara, April 2: Supporters of National Conference legislator Dr Bashir Ahmad Veeri have expressed strong backing for their representative after his plea in the Assembly to table a bill on reservation was rejected, with several voicing disappointment over the party leadership.
Dr Veeri, who represents the Srigufwara–Bijbehara constituency, had on Wednesday broken down in the Assembly while urging the government to address concerns of open merit students and bring forward legislation on reservation.
The issue has gained attention as debates around reservation policies continue to generate political and social discussion across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly among sections of students and aspirants.
In conversations with the news agency Kashmir News Trust, several supporters from the constituency said they stood firmly with their MLA but were disheartened by what they described as the response of the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
“We voted for National Conference when Dr Veeri contested the 2024 elections, but next time we will vote for Dr Bashir Veeri and not for the party,” a group of supporters said.
They alleged that the Chief Minister has been ignoring party legislators and not giving adequate importance to their concerns.
“Instead of listening to MLAs, they are being insulted,” one supporter said, referring to the handling of issues raised in the Assembly.
Some voters claimed that this was not the first instance and alleged that their representative had earlier also faced a similar situation when raising public issues.
“Absolute power corrupts absolutely, and this fits completely here,” said another voter, expressing frustration while reiterating support for Dr Veeri.
A young voter from the constituency alleged that decision-making was limited to a select group of voices within the party.
“He listens to only one MLA, Tanvir Sadiq, and treats others like second-class legislators,” he claimed.
The voter added that he would not support the National Conference in future elections and even suggested that Dr Veeri should consider distancing himself from the party.
Some elderly National Conference workers also drew comparisons with earlier leadership within the party.
“Farooq Abdullah always respected party members, but now things are different,” one elderly supporter said, alleging that the current leadership style has caused dissatisfaction among party workers.
They further claimed that several legislators within the party were unhappy, though no official confirmation of such concerns has been made. [KNT]
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