Srinagar| Oct, 2; Renowned trade union leader and social activist Muhammad Rafiq Rather on Sunday formally entered the political arena as he choose to join People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He was welcomed at a grand even at PDP President Mehbooba Mufti’s Gupkar residance by Mehbooba Mufti and other senior leaders to join the party fold.
Sources in PDP told Kashmir Horizon that Joining of Rather is a big boost to the party, stating therein the keeping in view his strong support base across North Kashmir there is a strong possibility of b Rather ecoming a party candidate from the Barhamula constituency. Rafiq Rather is renowned trade union leader ,social activist and former President of Employees Joint Committee (EJAC). Rafiq Rather on Sunday was welcomed by PDP President Mehbooba Mufti and other top leaders of her party immediately after he reached the official residence of Mehbooba Mufti at Gupkar. It may be recalled here that Muhammad Rafiq Rather started his public journey as a trade union leader about twenty-five years ago. He was elected district president of Teachers Forum, a well-known and unique organization of teachers.
Due to his tireless work, dedication and honesty, he was considered not only as a teacher but also as a spokesman and representative of government employees. He held the position of the General Secretary of the Teachers Forum and rose to the position of President of the Forum, and he was later elected Chairman of the Employees Joint Action Committee, the biggest representative body of the employees of Jammu and Kashmir. During his career he not only fought vigorously for the rights of the employees but also led resolved many contentious issues by using his God-given skills. Rafiq Rather suddenly resigned from the post of lecturer and rumors of his entering into active politics and joining different political parties went viral mat a times during last two months.
Rafiq Rather on Sunday officially announced his decision to join PDP in presence of his colleagues and followers and as such put to an end all the rumours that were going viral on social media siyes for quiet some time. According to political circles, Rafiq Rather’s public popularity not only in Baramulla district but also in the entire North Kashmir would most likely throw up huge challenges to several political parties. While Rafiq Rather’s personality may prove to be a big challenge for many leading and senior political players, PDP will surely benefit from the public image of Rafiq Rather . There is a strong possibility of Rather getting PDP mandate for Baramulla Baramulla assembly seat keeping in view his track record as a lecture in Education Departmen, President of J&K Teachers Forum and also Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC).
