SHAHID PEER | IK OP-ED
Mir Mohammad Fayaz, a former Rajya Sabha member who was Peoples Democratic Party’s district president, who was once titled “Mufti Sayed” Of Kupwara has finally left the PDP and joined Sajad Lone lead Peoples Conference.
His supporters called it a “New beginning” to rejuvenate his political career Mir Mohammad Fayaz lost the assembly election in 2014 from the Kupwara constituency to his competitor Advocates Bashir Ahmad Dar with a thin margin. But, he did not lose hope and courage. A miracle happened and Mir Mohammad Fayaz was elected for Rajya Sabha on PDPs nomination in 2015. Maybe he was destined to reach some higher places with more powers where he was a member of various central standing committees like committees on water resources, consultative committee ministry of health, and family welfare for the government of India.
Mir Mohammad Fayaz as Rajya Sabha Member helped hundreds of students stuck in various states after the Pulwama attack, where right-wing political Party BJP supporters attacked students from Kashmir studying in different colleges. He along with his party colleague, Wahid Parra (Who is in Jail) personally visited different states. As a Rajya Sabha Member, he gave various funds allocated under MPLADS to Sub District Hospital Kupwara, for its improvement in equipment and Infrastructure. He was much appreciated for his work. His political opponents however believe, Mir Mohammad Fayaz was the first politician from kupwara, to sell out his achievements through media and social media.
Though there is a lot which his supporters claim should be highlighted as Mir Mohammad Fayaz’s achievements, but his former colleagues and supporters said he is doing “Show off” for everything PDP has given him.
Mir Mohammad Fayaz was Rajya Sabha Member when Union Government abrogated Article 370 (Special Status to Jammu and Kashmir). He didn’t leave his seat, which According to party sources he was told to do so. However, people lauded his speech in Parliament, and also he along with his colleague, Nazir Laway tore the bill in the Parliament. On 16 Feb 2021 Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and PDPs president,Mehbooba Mufti visited Kupwara, to commence workers meet at Town Hall Kupwara, and it was the first time when Mir Mohammad Fayaz was purely sidelined and was even invited for the meeting. This indicated the differences between him with party brasses.
To show the workers strength On March 28, Mir Mohammad Fayaz along with his colleagues Nazir Laway his Rajya Sabha member Colleague, and Yasir Reshi his former party colleague were warmly welcomed after superannuation from Parliament. Mir hinted in his speech that he may join another party, where he said “I aim to work for people, no matter which party I am in”.On the party’s foundation day, Mir Fayaz was again not invited till then it was clear, that PDP and Mir Mohammad Fayaz had more differences than bridges.
Now when he has joined Peoples’ Conference lead by Sajad Gani Lone, which is believed to have strong roots in whole of Kupwara district, at least this is the chance where he has to prove himself more than ever. His former party workers believe it is more risk than gain, while his supporters believe it is “Political rejuvenation for higher reaches”.Though time is the best judge.
Note : IK doesn’t necessarily endorse thoughts of the author .
