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JAMMU: Senior leader and Provincial President of Jammu for Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, Rattan Lal Gupta, on Saturday launched a sharp critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of pursuing “anti-youth policies” that have contributed to rising drug abuse among young people. He asserted that the government led by Omar Abdullah is committed to reversing this trend by empowering youth with opportunities, resources, and platforms to showcase their talent and build sustainable careers.
Gupta made these remarks while addressing a meeting organized by the Jammu Urban ST Cell under the leadership of District President Choudhary Nadeem, where newly constituted office bearers were announced. Extending his congratulations, Gupta expressed confidence that the new team would strengthen the party’s outreach and organizational presence across the region. Prominent attendees included MLA Gulabgarh Er. Khursheed, MLA Ramban Arjun Singh Raju, Sheikh Bashir Ahmad Provincial Secretary Jammu and Abdul Gani Malik former minister and Zonal President Udhampur Reasi Zone.
In his address, Gupta highlighted the achievements of successive National Conference governments in uplifting the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community in Jammu and Kashmir. He contrasted this with what he described as the “lopsided and regressive policies” of the BJP and the People's Democratic Party (PDP), alleging that these parties have consistently undermined tribal welfare.
He emphasized that the current leadership under Omar Abdullah is restoring momentum to development initiatives, ensuring equitable access to jobs, education, and growth opportunities for tribal communities. Gupta also criticized BJP and PDP for what he termed “political theatrics,” questioning their silence during instances when tribal families allegedly faced displacement.
“The National Conference has delivered on the ground—be it mobile schools, tribal hostels, reservations, or meaningful representation in governance. We have empowered communities, not displaced them,” he asserted.
Turning to the issue of drug addiction, Gupta described it as a “serious and growing menace” directly linked to policy failures of the BJP. He pointed out that no new rehabilitation centers were established during what he called the party’s prolonged misrule.
“Addressing drug abuse requires a multi-pronged strategy—creating employment opportunities, developing sports infrastructure, encouraging creative engagement, and strengthening rehabilitation systems,” he said. “The Omar-led government is actively working on all these fronts and remains committed to safeguarding the future of our youth.”
Addressing the meeting Engineer Khursheed Hon’ble MLA and Arjun Singh Raju Hon’ble MLA reiterated that sustainable development, inclusive governance, and youth empowerment remain at the core of the National Conference’s vision for Jammu and Kashmir. They emphasized that the party functionaries must work with great devotion and dedication so that the programmes and development of the Omar led Government reach to the last person of the society.
Among others who were present included : Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell, Abdul Gani Teli Chairman OBC Cell, Laxmi Datta Senior leader, Rakesh Singh Raka Vice President Central Zone, Mehmood Ahmad Rizvi District President Jammu Rural “A” ST cell, Vikash Choudhary District President Jammu Rural “A” YNC, Wali Mohd, Hanief Choudhary, Alla Rakha, Maqbool Ahmad, Fareed Hussain, Haji Maqbool Choudhary, Haji Amin-Ud Din Khassana, Abdul Rafiq, Mohd Mansha, Riyaz Choudhary, Fareed Ahmad and others.
