What is the New Political Front 'People’s Alliance for Change' in J&K?

Srinagar, June 30 (NationPress) A new political coalition known as the ‘People’s Alliance for Change’ was unveiled on Monday by the leaders of the Peoples Conference (PC), Peoples Democratic Front (PDF), and the Justice and Development Front, which is supported by the Jamaat-e-Islami.

The announcement regarding this new coalition was made during a press conference attended by PC chief Sajad Gani Lone, leaders from PDF, and representatives from the Justice and Development Front.

Lone emphasized that the new alliance presents a feasible alternative for the people who have suffered significantly.

Also present at the announcement was Imran Raza Ansari, a senior Shia Muslim leader and a key figure in the PC.

Following the announcement, the leaders expressed their commitment to working together for the democratic rights of the populace.

The organizational framework will be disclosed collectively by the involved parties soon, according to the leaders.

Members of the alliance indicated that it seeks to offer a different political perspective in the Union Territory and to tackle what they describe as a “crisis of leadership and accountability” in J&K.

In a joint press conference, Sajad Lone remarked, “The people of Jammu and Kashmir have faced considerable hardship, and we are dedicated to instigating change. The current political environment is barren, and our alliance proposes a viable alternative.”

Shamim Ahmad Thokar, President of the Justice and Development Front, a political entity informally established by a Jamaat-e-Islami-affiliated candidate, stated, “We cannot achieve success in isolation. To effectively serve the populace, we need to come together. Our party will be part of this alternative alliance.”

It is noteworthy that Sajad Gani Lone successfully contested and won the legislative Assembly elections in 2024 from the Handwara Assembly constituency in Kupwara district.

Imran Raza Ansari also contested the elections from the Pattan Assembly constituency in Baramulla district, but lost to Riyaz Ahmad Bedar of the National Conference by a narrow margin of under 300 votes.

Hakeem Yasin of the PDF competed in the Assembly elections from the Khansahib constituency but faced defeat for the first time against the National Conference candidate.

Jamaat leaders supported the Justice and Development Front, which contested in various seats in the South Kashmir districts.

In the Kulgam Assembly constituency, previously considered a political bastion of the Jamaat, its backed candidate was defeated by CPI(M)'s Yusuf Tarigama.

The timeline for how swiftly the new alliance resonates with the common Kashmiri will be closely observed in the coming days.

To compete effectively, the alliance must establish itself against entrenched political rivals like the National Conference, Peoples Democratic Front, and others in the Valley. However, it remains uncertain if the alliance will include constituents from the Jammu region.