Elections are meaningful only if they serve the people. If intentions are honest, success is certain. People are the real power.
Salman Sagar is someone everyone knows because of his work over many years. He has been a socio-political activist since a very young age. During a conversation with Times Link Editor Sajjad Bazaz, he talked about his life, his political journey, his ups and downs. It was a frank conversation, nothing hidden, because he is known for speaking openly. So it was a straight talk.
Here are the excerpts of our session with him
SAJJAD BAZAZ: How would you describe yourself.
SALMAN SAGAR: Everyone wants to be a good human being. I also want to be a good person.I completed my graduation in Commerce and also studied Law, but I left it towards the end without practicing. Somewhere in my mind, I always wanted to enter politics.
Later, I contested municipal elections in 2004, got elected, became Chairman, then Deputy Mayor,and later Mayor. After that, there was no looking back.
From childhood, I was inclined toward politics. In our time, parents wanted their children to become doctors or engineers. But my interest was always politics, perhaps due to the environment I grew up in.
My father didn’t want me to join politics; he wanted me to pursue a professional career like my siblings. My brother is a doctor, my sister is a lecturer. But I followed my own path.
For the last 24–25 years, I’ve actively participated in politics, gained people’s love, and reached a position where I represent them as Member of Assembly (MLA).
SAJJAD BAZAZ: So you succeeded in your first attempt?
SALMAN SAGAR: Yes, by the God’s grace. In 2004, I contested from a non-traditional area and still won. Later, I contested from multiple constituencies and won all of them. I’ve always received strong public support.
SAJJAD BAZAZ: Why did you choose politics?
SALMAN SAGAR: Politics is not about earning money. I spent 24 years in politics before earning a salary. It’s about public service. I believe politics is the best form of public service, a good leader is a great public servant.
SAJJAD BAZAZ: What is your political ideology?
SALMAN SAGAR: I follow the ideology of Sher-i-Kashmir and the National Conference. I believe in pro-Kashmir, regional politics. Kashmir needs leadership that speaks for its people. Our struggle should be within the constitutional framework for our rights, like autonomy and statehood.
SAJJAD BAZAZ: During militancy, many youth were influenced. How did you avoid that?
SALMAN SAGAR: Even as I was young then, I felt that the militancy was more destructive than constructive. I couldn’t align with that. I believe in constructive politics and national interest.
SAJJAD BAZAZ: When will this conflict end?
SALMAN SAGAR: We need a balanced approach, acknowledge what’s right and wrong on both sides. Some things improved after 2019, but the way changes were imposed was wrong. The people’s mandate must be respected.
SAJJAD BAZAZ: What will you do to represent people’s voices?
SALMAN SAGAR: We are observing everything. If people’s mandate is not respected, we won’t hesitate to go back to the people. Elections are meaningful only if they serve the people.If intentions are honest, success is certain. People are the real power.
SAJJAD BAZAZ: How do you see the opposition?
SALMAN SAGAR: Opposition is essential in democracy. It ensures checks and balances. Constructive opposition should always be welcomed.
SAJJAD BAZAZ: What challenges do you see in your Hazratbal constituency?
SALMAN SAGAR: There are many issues like road connectivity, lack of basic facilities like graveyards, playgrounds, water supply, and unemployment. Development deficits are significant, but I believe they can be addressed gradually.
SAJJAD BAZAZ: What about unemployment?
SALMAN SAGAR: We need employment policies, private sector growth, industrial incentives, and schemes for youth. Government jobs alone are not enough, we must create better opportunities.
SAJJAD BAZAZ: Share a memorable moment.
SALMAN SAGAR: Moments when I made my mother proud, like becoming a corporator are the most memorable. Her happiness meant everything to me.
I try to stay positive. Even during tough times and political pressure, I never felt defeated.
SAJJAD BAZAZ: Were you ever afraid?
SALMAN SAGAR: We grew up in a fearful environment, which actually removed fear from us. I’ve witnessed violence closely. Faith in God reduces fear.
Politics requires stability and consistency. People respect that and reward you accordingly.
