Srinagar, Aug 04: Bilal Lone has confirmed that he is stepping into active politics but dismissed speculation about joining any political party, including the PDP, saying rumours do not deserve a response and that no decision has been made about his political future.
Responding to questions about reports that he was returning to politics, Lone said he had long remained associated with politics because of his family’s background but was now becoming more actively involved.
“I basically belong to a political family. It is not something I inherited, but after my father’s martyrdom in those circumstances, we had to enter politics. For the last 20-25 years, I have been in passive politics. Now I am becoming a little active in politics.”
He added that there was nothing extraordinary about his decision. “There is no major issue in it. It is not that something different has happened.”
Asked whether he planned to contest independently or join a political party, Lone said he was entering public life as an individual and intended to engage with people before taking any further steps.
“I have come out as an individual. I have my own small constituency and my own way of thinking. I have not come out against any political party. Whatever I have learnt over the last 20-25 years, I will try to discuss it with my people.”
He said the ultimate decision would rest with the people. “Then it is for them to decide. They will either lead us forward or we will sit at home. So there is nothing fixed. This is not some sensational news. No one has invited me, nor am I going anywhere. I have come out as an individual. Slowly, we will see where we go.”
Lone also sought to allay concerns about his political intentions. “No one has any reason to feel threatened by me. I have not come out to insult anyone or take anyone’s place. But, God willing, I will now play an active role in politics.”
When asked about rumours that he would soon join the PDP, Lone refused to engage with the speculation. “As I told you, I do not respond to rumours. A rumour is a rumour. What I say is what should be taken as correct.”
Commenting on the state of politics in Jammu and Kashmir, Lone expressed concern over increasingly hostile political discourse and said public representatives should set a better example for younger generations. “That is a very unfortunate part. If you analyse my generation, those of us in our 60s, I do not understand what we are leaving behind for the future generation. If they see that this is good politics, they will simply cut and paste it and carry it forward.”
He said political differences should not descend into abuse. “Politics should have its limits. Abuse, mudslinging and this kind of behaviour are not good for our society. We are already a battered community. For the last 20-25 years, look at the turmoil we have lived through.”
Lone said political leaders should focus on telling people the truth and let them decide for themselves. “Our effort should be to tell people the truth. Then it is up to them whether they want to go with the truth or continue as they have been doing for so many years.”
