Mattu, who has been the media face of National Conference, noted that leaving grassroots democratic institutions open to misrepresentation will wreak havoc in the state
J&K's Opposition National Conference suffered a major setback on Tuesday when its state spokesman and former CM Omar Abdullah's close aide Junaid Azim Mattu resigned from the party and decided to contest the urban local bodies (ULB) elections from Srinagar.
"Based on my humble disagreement with the party's decision to boycott the upcoming ULB and Panchayat Polls, I have just sent my resignation from the party to the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference General Secretary", Mattu tweeted.
Mattu, who has been the media face of National Conference, noted that leaving grassroots democratic institutions open to misrepresentation will wreak havoc in the state.
"I strongly believe that leaving our grassroots democratic institutions open to misrepresentation would inflict serious harm on the state and also wreak havoc with our social fabric and cultural legacy," he said.
Mattu also announced to contest the ULB polls but did not specify whether he will file his nomination as independent or join any other party. "I will announce my candidature for the ULB elections from Srinagar tomorrow Insha Allah (God willing) and I remain committed to serving my people and helping the city I grew up in meet the challenges it's faced with," he said.
Mattu's announcement comes against the backdrop of National Conference Central Working Committee endorsing the party's stand of boycotting the forthcoming ULB and panchayat polls over the issue of Article 35 A.
Two-day National Conference Central Working Committee started here on Monday to discuss the current political situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
"The meeting expressed grave concern over continuous concerted attacks on states special provisions including Art 370, Art 35 A, implementation of the GST Act and the worsening security situation in the state", said a National Conference spokesman.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Mehbooba Mufti too has decided to stay away from the elections over the issue of Article 35 A. However, Congress and Peoples Conference led by separatist-turned-MLA Sajad Lone have decided to join the poll fray.
Urban Local Bodies elections are scheduled to be held in four phases from October 8 to October 16. Most difficult and challenging panchayat polls are scheduled to be held in nine phases from November 17. The polling will be held on November 17, 20, 24, 27, 29, December 1, 4, 8, and 11 in all the 22 districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir chief secretary BVR Subrahmanyam said there is no connection between the timing of holding panchayat elections and deferring the hearing of the Article 35-A case in the Supreme Court.
Subrahamanyam reiterated that it is the elected government which should plead the Article 35 case in the Supreme Court.
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