Choudhary, Rana and Gupta pledge to restore constituency’s legacy of development

JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) leaders on Monday stepped up their campaign for Shamim Begum, the party’s candidate for the 77-Nagrota Assembly bye-election, vowing to restore the constituency’s legacy as a hub of development, progress, and inclusive growth.

Leading the campaign, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and Cabinet Minister Javed Rana, accompanied by senior party leaders and legislators, Provincial President Jammu Rattan Lal Gupta, Arjun Singh, Er. Khursheed and Javed Iqbal addressed a series of public gatherings at Jindrah and Bambyal in Nagrota constituency.

Addressing the gatherings, Surinder Choudhary said that the “development reversals” suffered by Nagrota during the BJP’s “decade-long indirect misrule” would be corrected once Shamim Begum is elected.

“Under the BJP, Nagrota’s developmental tempo was derailed. Our focus will be on augmenting road connectivity, healthcare, education, and basic services. The wave of transformation seen across Jammu and Kashmir under the National Conference will soon reach Nagrota,” Choudhary asserted.

In his address, Javed Rana highlighted that Omar Abdullah’s leadership had restored public trust in democratic institutions that had been undermined during the BJP’s rule.

“The biggest achievement of the Omar Abdullah-led government has been opening the corridors of power to the common people, who were earlier denied a voice in their own development,” Rana said.

He added that the government’s inclusive approach—through consultations with traders, legislators, and the public during the first budget—has revitalized economic activity, particularly after the restoration of the Darbar Move.

“Whatever infrastructure exists in Nagrota today was established during our previous NC government. In the coming years, we will further invest in roads, education, and health, taking Nagrota to new heights. Shamim Ji’s victory will further strengthen our hands,” Rana emphasized.

Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President (Jammu), said there is a “clear wave” in favor of the National Conference from Kupwara to Kathua, as seen recently in the Rajya Sabha elections.

“People see a ray of hope in Omar Abdullah and his team,” Gupta said. “Our party has always represented secularism and inclusivity. Shamim Ji embodies that spirit—she has worked tirelessly as a DDC for people across all communities. Her victory will ensure holistic and people-centric development in Nagrota.”

Addressing the gatherings, Shamim Begum urged the voters to give a decisive mandate to the National Conference. “Together, we can build a Nagrota that truly reflects our shared aspirations for peace, progress, and prosperity,” she said.

Among others who were present in the meeting included: Bimla Luthra former MLA, Deepinder Kour Former MLC, Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell, Abdul Gani Teli Chairman OBC Cell, Rakesh Singh Raka Vice President Central Zone, Raghvir Singh Manhas District President Jammu Rural A, Sunil Verma District President Udhampur Urban, Ram Parshotam District President Udhampur Rural, Dilshad Malik, Rita Gupta Vice Presidents Central Zone, Rajni Devi Working President Women Wing Jammu, Akash Verma Additional Spokesperson Jammu, Siraj Din Block President, Ashok Singh and others.