Muzaffar Beigh Loses Cool at Press Conference over Regionalism and Allegations
Reyaz Ahmad
Baramulla: Former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and senior political figure of north Kashmir and candidate for assembly polls Muzaffar Hussain Beigh, while releasing election manifesto addressed the media on various pressing issues.
Regarding abrogation of Article 370 “I am against the abrogation of Article 370,” Beigh stated firmly. He went on to explain his position, emphasizing the historical and political significance of the Article, which granted special autonomy to the region of Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed concern about the implications of its removal, especially for the people of the region.
While counting on the development works which took place during his tenurein Baramulla district, Beigh said some dream projects like Greater Baramulla and Cable Car to Hajibal remained unfilled as their government toppled.
However, tensions rose when a reporter from Baramulla town posed a pointed question. The journalist asked, “The people of Baramulla town want a candidate from the main town. What is your response?”
Visibly irritated, Beigh lost his usual composure. “Don’t spread regionalism,” he snapped. “Are we villagers’ fools? Does being from a village make someone less capable of leadership? We need to unite as a people, not divide ourselves based on where someone comes from.”
The atmosphere became even more charged when another question was raised by local candidate termed him BJP proxy. The reporter hinted that there was talk of a BJP candidate being fielded in the upcoming elections, allegedly pointing towards Beigh.
Beigh immediately shot down the accusation, his voice filled with frustration. “Don’t say such things without proof! Who is the man making these claims? Tell me his name, and I will file a defamation case against him. This kind of baseless allegation is not only harmful but also dangerous for the political process.”
With those words, Beigh made it clear that he would not tolerate any attempts to undermine his integrity or credibility. The press conference ended with a stern warning from the leader about the dangers of spreading misinformation and encouraging regionalism, a theme he stressed repeatedly during his remarks.
Despite the heated exchanges, Beigh’s message was loud and clear: unity over division, facts over rumors, and respect for the political process over baseless accusations.