Srinagar, Oct 29 (NVI): National Loktantrik Party (NLP) national spokesperson Muhammad Yaqoob Dunoo on Thursday questioned the disappointment expressed by some National Conference lawmakers over not being allotted ministerial portfolios, asking why similar anguish was not visible when Articles 370 and 35A were abrogated in Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019.
Dunoo said the National Conference had sought the people’s mandate during elections by promising to fight for the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, and urged its elected representatives to focus on fulfilling their commitments rather than expressing dissatisfaction over ministerial positions.
In a statement, he said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had elected their representatives to raise public issues, address grievances and safeguard their interests, not merely to occupy ministerial positions.
“The responsibility of a public representative does not begin with a ministerial portfolio, nor does it end in its absence,” Dunoo said, emphasising that elected representatives could serve the people effectively even without holding positions in the government.
He urged the lawmakers concerned to prioritise pressing public issues, including unemployment, economic hardships, developmental shortcomings and public grievances, instead of allowing personal disappointment and political ambitions to overshadow their responsibilities.
Dunoo said the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A on August 5, 2019, had significantly altered Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional and political status, and questioned whether the concerns raised by lawmakers over ministerial berths reflected the priorities of the electorate.
He said the people had placed their trust in elected representatives with the expectation that they would work sincerely towards fulfilling electoral promises and addressing issues affecting their daily lives.
“Public service must come before personal ambition. The true worth of an elected representative is measured by the work they do for the people, not by the position they hold in government,” he said.
Dunoo appealed to all elected representatives to rise above personal and political considerations and remain committed to the aspirations, dignity and welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.—(NVI)
