Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. JAMMU: Rajni Sethi, BJP Spokesperson, Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory, has strongly condemned the alleged illegal and discriminatory selection process for the Santosh Trophy football team and demanded the immediate resignation of Sports Minister Satish Sharma.
Rajni Sethi stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jammu and Kashmir has been assured equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal development for all regions. However, the National Conference (NC) government in the UT continues to repeatedly hurt the sentiments of the youth of Jammu through biased and discriminatory policies.
She said that the discriminatory mindset of the NC government is not new. “The people of Jammu are well aware of NC’s long-standing bias. During the controversy over MBBS seat selection at SMVDU, Katra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah openly supported the youth of Kashmir while questioning the knowledge and calibre of Jammu’s youth, which deeply demoralised them,” she added.
Expressing disappointment, Rajni Sethi said that the people of Jammu had high expectations from Sports Minister Satish Sharma, as he belongs to Jammu. “There was a strong belief that discrimination would end and justice would prevail. Unfortunately, the minister has followed the same discriminatory approach of the NC government, shattering the trust of the people of Jammu,” she said.
Highlighting the Santosh Trophy selection issue, Rajni Sethi informed that 98 players were shortlisted for the trials, including 74 from Jammu Province and 24 from Kashmir Province. As per norms, 20 players were to be selected for the final team. “Shockingly, all players from Jammu were rejected and only players from Kashmir were selected. This clearly exposes the unfair, non-transparent, and biased selection process,” she said.
She questioned why the established rules and merit-based criteria were ignored and why an entire region was excluded despite having the majority of shortlisted players. “Satish Sharma is not just a minister of a political party; he is the Sports Minister of the entire Union Territory, including Jammu. By misusing his powers to appease the NC leadership, he has betrayed the youth of Jammu,” she added.
Rajni Sethi further said that such discriminatory actions push the youth towards frustration, depression, and hopelessness. “Repeated injustice in sports, education, and employment creates alienation and drives the youth towards drug abuse and mental stress. These policies are anti-Jammu and anti-youth,” she asserted.
The BJP Jammu & Kashmir strongly demands the immediate resignation of Sports Minister Satish Sharma and calls for a high-level, impartial, and transparent inquiry into the Santosh Trophy selection process. “Justice must be delivered, and the youth of Jammu must be given equal opportunities and the respect they deserve.