Gear up for upcoming Panchayat, ULB Polls in J&K: Ajay Sadhotra  

• Only NC can ensure inclusive development, grassroots empowerment, says Rattan Lal Gupta

JAMMU: Ajay Sadhotra, Additional General Secretary and former Minister of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), today urged party workers to intensify their preparations for the forthcoming Panchayat and Urban Local Body (ULB) elections in Jammu and Kashmir. He called for collective efforts to strengthen grassroots democracy and ensure the victory of JKNC candidates.  

Addressing a gathering of party workers at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan, Jammu, Ajay Sadhotra strongly criticized the previous government led by the BJP, alleging its failure to deliver basic amenities to rural areas. He pointed out the lack of development and public welfare initiatives under the BJP administration, which, he said, had adversely affected the lives of people in villages and far-flung regions.  

"The BJP government has failed to meet the expectations of the rural population. The promises of improved infrastructure, clean drinking water, electricity, and better road connectivity remain unfulfilled," he stated, adding that the neglect of rural areas during the BJP’s tenure reflects poorly on its governance.  

Today’s meeting was organized under the chairmanship of Chander Mohan Sharma, District President Jammu Urban JKNC. The event commenced with the cutting of a cake to mark the New Year 2025. In the meeting, Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President  JKNC, MLA Gulabgarh Er Khurshid, Babu Rampaul  former Minister and Central Zone President, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed Provincial secretary and other party workers were present.

Chander Mohan Sharma greeted the party workers and briefed senior functionaries about the problems being faced by the people of Jammu due to the anti-people policies adopted by the previous government. 

Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Jammu, in his address, emphasized the importance of strengthening democracy through active participation in the upcoming polls. He highlighted that the JKNC, under the leadership of Dr. Farooq Abdullah, has always championed the cause of inclusive development and grassroots empowerment. 

The Provincial President asserted that the programmes like "Back to Village" conducted under the BJP regime proved as a superficial initiative that failed to yield any tangible benefits for the people. He argued that these programs were mere photo-ops and lacked meaningful follow-through, leaving the pressing problems of those living in remote and rural areas unresolved. He highlighted that despite repeated assurances, issues such as poor road connectivity, lack of drinking water, inadequate healthcare facilities, and unreliable electricity supply continued to plague these regions. 

Rattan Lal Gupta urged party workers to reach out to every voter, highlighting JKNC's commitment to inclusive development and the welfare of all sections of society. Abdul Gani Malik former minister and Zonal President Udhampur Reasi Zone,   emphasized the need to connect with the masses and address their concerns effectively. "The upcoming elections are an opportunity for the people to voice their discontent and place their trust in a party that has always stood for unity, progress, and the welfare of all sections of society," he said.

MLA Gulabgarh Er Khurshid emphasized the Party's unwavering commitment to public welfare and grassroots development. He highlighted the need for unity among party cadres to counter the challenges faced by the people. Babu Ram, former Minister reiterated NC's legacy of inclusive governance and dedication to addressing the aspirations of every section of society. He called for a renewed focus on connecting with voters to strengthen the party's presence across the Union Territory.

Among those who were present included: Qazi Jalal Ud Din former MLA, Sheikh Bashir Ahmad, Ayub Malik, Pardeep Bali, Arif Mir Provincial Secretaries Jammu, Satwant Kour Dogra Provincial President Women Wing Jammu, Abdul Gani Teli Chairman OBC Cell, Jugal Mahajan Treasurer, Raghbir Singh Manhas District President Jammu Rural A, Nar Singh President Labour Wing, Zaffarullah Rather District President Doda, Abid Magrey District President Ramban,  Shabir Sambyal District Vice President Jammu Urban, Farman Ali, Anoop Sharma  District Secretaries  Jammu Urban, Ashok Kumar Attri Vice President Central Zone, Master Aslam, Sandesh Shan Secretaries Central Zone, Rajesh Bakashi, Pinky Khalsa District President Jammu Urban Women Wing, Ashwani Charak Block President Jammu East, S. Parvinder Singh Block President Gandhi Nagar A, S. Gurnam Singh Block President Jammu West, S. Sandeep Singh Wazir Block President Gandhi Nagar B, S. Tejinder Singh District President Jammu Urban YNC,  Rakesh Sharma District President Jammu Rural A YNC, Vivek Gupta, Anju Grover Block President Jammu East Women wing, Bhadur Lal, Dr. Rameshwar,Mohinder Kumar Rana Joint Secretary Central Zone, Sumita Bhan, Satpal Karlopia former Corporator, Hameed Choudhary, Arunpal Singh Working President NCSU, S.Nirmal Singh, Nitish Gowsami Provincial Secretary YNC, Dr. Gazala, Ajay Kumar, Pryianka, Seema, Sahil Kerni, Sahil Chib, Jatinder Singh Lucky, Jatinder Kumar District President Jammu Rural “B” SC Cell, Som Raj Taroch, Parbhat Kapai, Karan Singh, S. Harcharan Singh, Abhi Jamwal and others.