BJP neglected rural development in J&K: Sadhotra

For unity, stability, integrity of the country, vote and support Raman Bhalla: Rattan Lal Gupta

JAMMU, April 23: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference launched a scathing attack on the ruling government at the Centre, accusing the BJP-led administration of neglecting the crucial development needs of rural areas in the Union Territory.

In this regard, a day-long convention of JKNC Jammu Rural-A was held here today in support of the INDIA Alliance candidate for the Jammu Reasi Lok Sabha seat, Raman Bhalla, at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan Jammu.

During the convention, Ajay Sadhotra, Additional General Secretary of JKNC and former Minister, Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President of JKNC Jammu, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Provincial Secretary, Pardeep Bali, Ayub Malik Provincial Secretaries Jammu, Surjit Singh Manhas, Ghar Singh Joint Secretaries Jammu, Bimla Luthra former MLA, Zeeshan Rana Additional Spokesperson Jammu and several party leaders and workers were present.

At the beginning of the meeting, Raghbir Singh Manhas, District President of JKNC Jammu Rural-A, apprised the senior functionaries of the Party about the deplorable condition of rural areas due to the callous attitude adopted by the incumbent government in providing basic amenities.

Addressing the party workers, Ajay Kumar Sadhotra former minister expressed anguish against the BJP government’s decade-long tenure, lamenting its failure to uplift rural areas despite ample time in power. He deemed it unfortunate that even after a substantial period; basic amenities continue to elude the people residing in rural areas,
plunging them into enduring hardships. He minced no words in condemning the hollow promises of unprecedented development made by the government. Despite their tall claims of development, the reality remains grim for the majority of villages across the Union Territory, grappling with severe infrastructural deficiencies ranging from lack of sewerage systems, dilapidated roads, unreliable drinking water supply, to abysmal sanitation conditions.

Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President, in his address, urged the people to support the INDIA Alliance Candidates in the ensuing polls with an aim to safeguard the unity, stability, and integrity of the nation. He said that the Alliance is committed to uniting people from diverse backgrounds, aiming to strengthen the social fabric of the nation and promote solidarity among all its inhabitants. Amidst political uncertainty and upheaval, the Alliance pledges to provide stability and continuity in governance, he said, adding that by promoting integrity in governance and combating corruption, the Alliance endeavors to restore public trust in the political system and safeguard the moral integrity of the nation. Overall, by emphasizing the significance of unity, stability, and integrity, the INDIA Alliance aims to inspire confidence among the people and lead the nation towards a brighter and more promising future, he added.

The Provincial President emphasized that the need of the hour is to support the Alliance Candidate Raman Bhalla in the Jammu Reasi Lok Sabha seat with an aim to safeguard the Union Territory from impending challenges.

Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Provincial Secretary, urged people to prioritize communal harmony and brotherhood above all else. Emphasizing the inherent strength found in unity and mutual respect, he underscored the importance of fostering bonds of understanding and tolerance across all communities. Upholding communal harmony not only ensures social cohesion but also reinforces the shared values that define our nation’s rich tapestry of diversity, he added.

NC leaders Pardeep Bali, Ayub Malik, and Surjit Singh Manhas reiterated the Party’s commitment to hold the government accountable for its negligence and vows to fight tirelessly until every village in the region receives the attention and resources it rightfully deserves.

Among those who were present include: Dr. Gafoor Joint Secretary Jammu Province, Vijay Laxmi Datta Sr. leader, Ram Parshotam District President Udhampur Rural, Rita Gupta Vice President Central Zone, Kuldeep Kour District President Women wing Jammu Rural A, Bishan Dass Block President Mandal, Charanjeet Singh Block President Marh, Balwant Singh Block President Bhalwal, Mohinder Singh Block President Khour, Madan Lal Block President Akhnoor, Rakesh Kumar Phalwan District President Jammu Rural A YNC, Randhir Singh Chib District Vice President Jammu Rural A,  Devi Dyal Jogi Block Secretary Khour, Satpal Kralopia former corporator, M.K Rana, Manmohan Singh, Kuldeep Sharma, Khajoor Ram Sarpanch, Omkar Singh District Secretary Jammu Rural A, Tilak Raj Bhagat, Randhir Singh, Sahib Chib District Secretary District Jammu Rural A YNC, Som Raj Taroch, Randhir Singh Jamwal District Secretary Jammu Rural A, Ramesh Messi, Ashok Kumar, S. Charanjeet Singh, Natha, Gurdev Singh, Karan Singh, Akbir Singh and others.