Those who upheld the dignity of the Nation were discriminated against under successive NC-led governments: Pawan Sharma

JAMMU: Senior BJP leader and State Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, Pawan Sharma, has strongly criticized the successive National Conference (NC)-led governments for systematically sidelining and discriminating against those who stood firmly with the Nation, respected the National Anthem, and held the National Flag in the highest esteem.

In a press statement, Sharma said that for decades, the political ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir was dominated by elements who sought to weaken the national spirit and isolate the region from the mainstream.

“Those who upheld India’s unity and integrity — who proudly saluted the Tricolour and sang the National Anthem with pride — were labeled as outsiders or agents, and were consistently denied equal opportunities in governance, employment, and public life,” he asserted.

He further said that the National Conference regimes fostered a culture of appeasement and separatist tendencies, while those aligned with the national mainstream were treated as second-class citizens in their own land.

“This discriminatory mindset not only alienated the patriotic section of society but also emboldened divisive forces that worked against India’s sovereignty,” he added.

Referring to the heated debate triggered after MLA Kishtwar Ms. Shagun Parihar’s recent allegations, Sh. Sharma said that her remarks have once again exposed the long-standing neglect of Hindu-majority areas in developmental works during the NC-led regimes.

“Her statement has only reaffirmed what the people of Jammu and the Chenab Valley have known for years — that discrimination was institutionalized, and development was deliberately denied to those regions that remained steadfast in their commitment to the Indian identity,” he said.

Highlighting the transformation under the present dispensation, Sharma noted that it was only after the historic abrogation of Article 370 and the establishment of a new constitutional framework under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah that the people of Jammu and Kashmir began to experience true justice, equality, and empowerment.

“Today, every citizen can proudly raise the National Flag without fear, and those who love the Nation are no longer targeted — they are celebrated,” he remarked. Appealing to the people, especially the youth, Pawan Sharma urged them to recognize the stark contrast between the decades of political exploitation under the National Conference and the transformative governance ushered in by the BJP.

“Our commitment is to build a Jammu and Kashmir where patriotism is honoured, merit is rewarded, and every citizen — irrespective of region or religion — feels an equal part of the great Indian family,” he concluded.