PDP Legislator Affirms J&K Assembly's Power Despite Constitutional Changes
JAMMU: Aga Syed Muntazir of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who secured victory in the Budgam assembly seat during the November 2025 by-election, has declared that his initial experience within the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has been constructive. He emphasizes that the House continues to function as a robust institution, even following the revocation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, and the subsequent reclassification of Jammu and Kashmir from a state to a union territory.
Legitimacy Through Voter Participation
Muntazir expressed optimism that the diminished political arena in Jammu and Kashmir can be revitalized through the Assembly, potentially restoring certain rights to the populace. "The legitimacy conferred upon the Assembly by the people necessitates that it operates in alignment with their aspirations," Muntazir stated in an interview with the Times of India outside the Assembly premises on Friday.
He further articulated, "It is imperative not to label the J&K Assembly as disempowered. No political party or legislator should propagate such notions. We must refrain from employing demoralizing language or asserting that the Assembly is ineffective. Even within the current framework, it remains a formidable institution."
Historical Context and Electoral Mandate
Muntazir highlighted that after the events of August 5, 2019, the public validated the Assembly's legitimacy by engaging in elections with unprecedented turnout, not witnessed in over three decades. "You cannot now inform these same voters that the Assembly lacks authority. While we must advocate for the political rights of Jammu and Kashmir, we should not undermine the Assembly's legitimacy," he added.
The 38-year-old legislator, who holds a Master of Laws (LLM) degree, entered the Assembly for the first time after triumphing in the Budgam bypoll. He defeated National Conference candidate Aga Syed Mahmood by a margin of 4,478 votes. This outcome represented a significant setback for the Chief Minister, who had relinquished the Budgam seat in 2024 following his own electoral success there.
Background and Constituency Focus
Muntazir is the son of Aga Syed Hasan, a prominent Shia cleric and former leader of the separatist coalition All Parties Hurriyat Conference. Prior to embarking on electoral politics, Muntazir served as a grassroots activist, engaging directly with community issues.
He pointed out that Budgam has endured nearly two decades of neglect despite its proximity to Srinagar. Since assuming his legislative role, Muntazir has consistently raised concerns regarding infrastructure, education, potable water, and healthcare within his constituency, where literacy rates remain suboptimal.
"For the past twenty years, Budgam was represented by the same party (National Conference). The populace received mere rhetoric, but political rhetoric possesses a limited lifespan," Muntazir remarked. "The electorate opted for change because their dignity and fundamental necessities were overlooked for an extended period."
Commitments and Institutional Empowerment
Muntazir referenced a prior assurance from the Chief Minister regarding the establishment of a National Law University in Budgam, a promise formally made within the Assembly. "This commitment must be honored. The empowerment of the J&K Assembly hinges on fulfilling pledges articulated within its chambers," he asserted.
His remarks underscore a broader narrative about the evolving political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir, where institutional credibility and public trust are pivotal amidst ongoing constitutional and administrative transformations.
