Nowshera Darbar Row: BJP accuses NC of converting Govt event into party rally, misuse of funds

JAMMU: BJP leader Rakesh Raina on Friday levelled serious allegations against the National Conference (NC) government, accusing it of misusing official machinery and public funds by projecting a political rally at the Nowshera Dak Bungalow as a government-organised Public Darbar.

Addressing a press conference, Raina claimed that the event scheduled for 10 December 2025, was officially announced as a public grievance camp through Letter No. 1884 PA/DCM/J dated 02 December 2025. However, once government officials arrived with their staff, the alleged Public Darbar was “converted into a full-fledged political rally” with NC flags and party symbols displayed across the venue.

According to Raina, over 200 government employees were “forcibly summoned” to attend the event, a practice he described as “illegal and unprecedented in Jammu and Kashmir.” He said no political party has the authority to compel government staff to participate in any rally.

Raina further alleged that certain decisions by NC ministers were “contrary to established rules and administrative norms,” claiming that undue pressure was being put on government employees across various departments. He demanded that the Union Territory administration take note of what he termed “misuse of power, irregular decisions and violation of service conduct rules.”

The BJP leader also strongly objected to reported remarks made against Rajouri Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma, who recently received a national award for administrative excellence from the President of India. Raina described the DC as an “upright, transparent and impartial officer,” and said that personal attacks on him were “unfortunate and condemnable.”

He also praised Additional Deputy Commissioner Nowshera, Parshotam Thappa, calling him “a dedicated and courageous civil servant.” Raina recalled that during Operation Sandur, when border tensions escalated, the ADC personally assisted families living along the border and ensured their safe evacuation.

Raina asserted that the people of Nowshera “will not tolerate any form of high-handedness or misuse of authority.” The BJP has submitted a formal request to the Lieutenant Governor, seeking a fair and time-bound inquiry into:

The alleged conversion of a government Public Darbar into a political rally. The alleged forced attendance of government employees. Any violations of service conduct rules or misuse of administrative authority. He demanded strict action against anyone found responsible.

Prominent among those present in the Press Conference were President Satana Dharm Sabha, Nowshera Jagdish Sawhney, Nowshera Vyopar Mandal President  Bharat Bushan Gupta, Chowdhary Sukhdev Singh, BJP Mandal President Ajay Choudhary, Shubham Lakhanpal, Harbans Lal BJP Leaders Nanak Chand, Capt. Shanti Bushan, Capt. Yog Raj, Ripu Daman Kohli and others