Srinagar| Oct, 2 (KNB): Renowned trade union leader and social activist Muhammad Rafique Rather on Sunday formally entered the political era 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 that Joining of Rather is a big boost to the party, stating therein the keeping in view his strong support base across North Kashmir and there is a strong possibility of Rather becoming a party candidate from the Baramulla constituency. Rafique Rather is renowned trade union leader ,social activist and former President of Employees Joint Committee (EJAC). He 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 Rafique Rather started his public journey as a trade union leader about twenty-five years ago. He was elected as district president of Teachers Forum, a well-known and unique organization of teachers besides reached to top post of employees union’s.
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 and only 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 had resolved many contentious issues by using his God-given skills. Few weeks ago Rafique Rather suddenly resigned from the post of lecturer and rumors of his entering into active politics and joining different political parties went viral during last two months.
And Rafique 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 sites for quiet some time. According to political circles, Rafique 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 Rafique Rather’s personality may prove to be a big challenge for many leading and stalwart political players of Baramulla and PDP will surely benefit from the public image of Rafique 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 Department, President of J&K Teachers Forum and also Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC).
Rafique Rather has an excellent academic background with Post Graduation in Economics with MPhil. Rather has also authored a book on planning in J& and has many national and international conference in his credit.KNB