My life is dedicated for the welfare of people: GM Saroori

• After rejoining Congress, Saroori visits his hometown Inderwal for the first time; receives a rousing welcome, grand public rally held in Sinthan
• Saroori’s comeback breathes new life into Congress in Chenab Valley; targets BJP, calls for unity and full statehood restoration

SINTHAN, (KISHTWAR): In a major political event, former minister Ghulam Mohammad Saroori returned to his hometown Inderwal in Kishtwar for the first time since rejoining the Congress party. A massive reception was held in Sinthan, where thousands of supporters gathered to welcome the veteran leader. His return is being seen as a turning point for the Congress in the Chenab Valley region, once a stronghold under leaders like Saroori, Abdul Majid Wani, Mohammad Sharief Naiz, Vikar Rasool Wani and Ashok Kumar. 

The Congress party organized a grand and emotionally charged public gathering at Sinthan to celebrate the return of senior leader and former minister Ghulam Mohammad Saroori. This marked his first visit to Inderwal, Kishtwar since rejoining the Congress, and thousands of enthusiastic supporters turned out to greet him with fervor and pride. In his passionate address, Saroori expressed deep gratitude to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, LOP Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, General Secretary AICC Organisation, K. C Venugopal, General Secretary AICC Incharge J&K, Dr Sayeed Naseer Hussain, CLP Leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir, President J&K Congress, Tariq Hameed Karra and others for facilitating his return. He reaffirmed his loyalty to the Congress, calling it India’s only truly secular party capable of tackling poverty, inequality, and other national challenges. 

Reflecting on his political journey, Saroori reminded the public that he was elected MLA three times with overwhelming support and remained active in public service even during the past decade when he held no official position. “My life is dedicated for the welfare of the people," he said and added whether I am an MLA or not, I have always remained in public service. My doors are open to all." 

He launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of dividing communities and eroding the distinct identity of Jammu and Kashmir. Saroori strongly condemned the abrogation of Article 370 and the revocation of J&K’s statehood, reiterating the widespread demand for the restoration of full statehood.  

Addressing local concerns, Saroori criticized the government for the long-pending construction of the vital Singhpora Tunnel and raised issues regarding unpaid dues under schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission and MNREGA. He accused the current administration of neglecting the interests of ordinary citizens. Looking ahead, Saroori urged Congress workers to stay united and work diligently to regain the party’s influence in the region. He set an ambitious goal of winning all three Assembly constituencies in Kishtwar in the upcoming elections and encouraged cadres to prepare for a grand reception for senior Congress leaders expected to visit Chenab Valley in the near future. 

Prominent figures present at the grand reception included Irshad Ahmed Sheikh, Piyaray Lal Shan, Firdous Ahmed Mingnoo, Anas Munshi, Ravi Kumar, Noor Hussain, Atta Mohammad, Asif Malik, Akhtar Hussain Butt, Tariq Malik, Sajjad Ahmed, Ghulam Qadir Sheikh, Chowdhary Manzoor Bumal, Bashir Ahmed, Irshad Ahmed, along with thousands of Congress supporters from across the region. The event not only marked Saroori’s symbolic political comeback but also sparked fresh momentum for a revitalized Congress campaign in Jammu and Kashmir’s Chenab belt.