Bla. MLA’s Demand for “Respect” Sparks Debate on Power and Leadership
PDP Leader Accuses MLA BLa. of “Narrow-Minded Mentality” in Invitation Spat
Suhail Khan
Baramulla, Oct 21: A political dispute in North Kashmir’s Baramulla constituency has escalated into a public debate over legitimate leadership and the use of power. The conflict, sparked by an “invitation spat,” involves sharp criticism from a senior People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader against the constituency’s sitting legislator. The PDP leader labeled the MLA as having a “Narrow-minded mentality.” This criticism arose in response to the MLA’s demand for “respect,” following his objection to the education department inviting individuals who were not elected, including those he had defeated in the elections.
The controversy began when the MLA for Baramulla, Javid Hassan Baigh, expressed his discontent over not being invited to functions organized by the School Education Department (SED).
In remarks made at a public function, MLA Baigh stated, “In the past year, the Education Department has held numerous functions in Baramulla. Yet, the individuals being invited are those who fought against us and were defeated.”
While not naming anyone directly, sources indicate that the comments were aimed at Touseef Raina, a local political activist who has remained active on the ground despite not holding office. MLA Baigh emphasized the mandate of the elected government and called for the Education Minister to intervene, framing the issue as a matter of protocol and respect for the elected office.
Reacting to the MLA’s statement, senior PDP leader and district president of Baramulla, Rafique Rather speaking to The Web Story/The Varmul Post characterized the MLA as a man with a “narrow minded mentality.”
“Those in power must remember it is far nobler to address the problems of the people, which they promised during their election campaign, than to deliver sermons,” he stated. “Power is respected only when it serves, not when it intimidates.”
He remarked that some individuals in power often forget humility. “They force invitations, not because people love them, but because people fear ignoring them. That’s not respect; that’s intimidation,” Rather asserted. He further noted, “True leadership is when people invite you out of love and affection, not out of obligation; when your presence is welcomed, not compelled.”
Meanwhile, the MLA’s statement has ignited significant discussion within the constituency and on social media platforms, revealing a division in public sentiment.
A segment of the online discourse criticized the MLA for focusing on perceived slights rather than governance. One social media user commented, “Respect is never demanded; it’s earned. When someone is invited despite not being in the elected government, it shows that people recognize who truly works and who merely holds a title.”
Echoing this sentiment, a local activist posted on Facebook, expressing disappointment that the MLA was “turning political rivalry into an administrative matter.” The post questioned the development progress in Baramulla, citing a lack of tangible improvements in infrastructure and youth initiatives, and contrasting this with the ground-level work of the activist in question.
Many other users on social media criticized MLA Baigh for stooping to a level where, in their view, he ultimately insulted himself in the public eye.
