NC leaders rally in Nagrota, vow to restore development momentum under Omar Abdullah’s vision

JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leaders revved up their campaign engines in Nagrota, urging voters to back their drive to put development in the fast lane. The party’s Provincial leaders — Additional General Secretary Ajay Sadhotra, Provincial President Jammu Rattan Lal Gupta, DDC Dhansal and Candidate for 77- Nagrota Assembly Segment Shamim Begum — addressed a series of meetings across the constituency.

In his address, Sadhotra said that the development reverses suffered by Nagrota during the BJP’s decade-long indirect misrule will be high on the party’s agenda if Shamim Begum is elected. “The sea of transformation that other parts of Jammu and Kashmir are witnessing will be felt in Nagrota in terms of augmentation of road, health, education, and basic utility services,” he said. Sadhotra accused the BJP of “hoodwinking people to get votes by fostering divisions and playing with emotive issues while keeping real issues aside,” adding that this will change under the NC’s leadership.

While addressing a gathering in Party function of opening of Central Election Ofifce at Nagrota Provincial President Rattan Lal Gupta said that Omar Abdullah’s tenure has been marked by the restoration of public faith in democracy and institutions that had eroded under the BJP’s indirect rule over the past seven years.

“The biggest achievement of the Omar Abdullah-led government has been opening up the corridors of power to the common people, who were earlier denied a say in their own development,” Gupta said. “During our first budget, extensive deliberations were held with Jammu traders, legislators from across parties, and the common public. The restoration of the Darbar Move has also boosted trade and commerce in the region. The Omar Abdullah government has brought far-flung areas like Nagrota back on the path of progress. 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.”

Gupta further added that there is a clear wave in favour of the National Conference from Kupwara to Kathua, reflected recently in the Rajya Sabha elections. “People see a ray of hope in Omar Abdullah and his team,” he said. “Our party’s rank and file are acting as a vital link between the government, the party, and the people. The nomination of leaders from diverse backgrounds to the Rajya Sabha reaffirms our commitment to secularism. Shamim Ji embodies that spirit — as DDC, she has worked tirelessly for everyone, irrespective of class, caste, or religion. I am confident that, given the opportunity, she will lead Nagrota’s development with the same enthusiasm and dedication.”

Speaking at the gathering, Shamim Begum said, “Empowering women is not just about representation; it’s about giving them the tools, opportunities, and confidence to shape the future of their communities. In Nagrota, I will ensure that every woman — from our villages to our urban wards — has access to education, livelihood support, and a voice in decision-making. When women progress, the entire society moves forward.”

Among others who were present included: Pardeep Bali Provincial Secretary Jammu, Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell, Rakesh Singh Raka Vice President Central Zone, Chander Mohan Sharma District President Jamnu Urban, Raghbir Singh Manhas District President Jammu Rural A, Sunil Verma District President Udhampur Urban, Ramparshotam Udhampur Rural , Ch. Rehmat Ali Former BDC Chairman, Farooq Mughal, Mehmood Rizvi Advocate , Kuldeep Sharma, Thoru Ram Block President, Davinder Singh Block President, Ajay Singh, Gani Altaf, S. Gurnam Singh, Jagga Ram, Ramesh Kumar, Vijay Sharma District Vice President Congress , Som Nath Block  Secretary Congress and others.