JAMMU: Leaders of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) held a series of public meetings at Jandiyal in Mathwar Block and Baran in Bhalwal Block in the Nagrota constituency, seeking support for the party’s candidate, Shamim Begum, in the upcoming Nagrota bypolls.
Addressing the gatherings, NC Additional General Secretary Ajay Sadhotra urged party workers to give a strong fight to the “divisive forces” attempting to polarize people on the basis of caste, creed, religion, and region. He appealed to the electorate to support the party’s candidate, Shamim Begum, lauding her previous tenure as DDC Dhansal as “impeccable and inclusive.”
“She is a respected leader who works for everyone, irrespective of caste, creed, region, or religion. Her work speaks for itself. I am confident that if she is given a chance, she will take Nagrota to new heights of development,” Sadhotra said.
Speaking on the occasion, NC Provincial President (Jammu) Rattan Lal Gupta highlighted the development works undertaken during the previous Omar Abdullah-led government (2009–2014) in Nagrota constituency, including tehsils, naib tehsils, blocks, bridges, colleges, higher secondary schools, key road projects, and healthcare facilities. “In contrast, during the BJP’s eleven years in power, people received only rhetoric and empty promises. No tangible development took place,” Gupta said, adding that the visible infrastructure in Nagrota stands as testimony to the NC’s governance.
He further said that people had suffered from development deficits, unemployment, and a lack of basic civic amenities under the BJP’s rule, and were now determined “not to fall prey to hollow slogans.” “People want development and peace, not division,” he emphasized.
In her address, Shamim Begum expressed gratitude to the party leadership for their trust and assured that, if elected, she would work to translate Omar Abdullah’s vision and mission into reality on the ground.
“The NC’s vision of development is inclusive, unlike the BJP, which lacks even a coherent development agenda. The BJP thrives on division and misinformation. People have witnessed how their leaders went missing during recent calamities—it was the NC leadership, our provincial leaders, and our ministers who stood with the people,” she said.
She further asserted that the National Conference restored Jammu’s pride by reinstating the Darbar Move, which had been discontinued by the BJP. “The NC is committed to undoing the injustices inflicted during the BJP’s eleven years of misrule. We are dedicated to empowering small traders, generating employment, restoring people’s rights, and preserving Jammu’s rich cultural heritage,” she added.
Among those present at the meetings were Babu Rampal, former minister and Central Zone President; Vijay Lochan, Chairman SC Cell; Abdul Gani Teli, Chairman OBC Cell; Rakesh Singh Raka, Vice President Central Zone; Raghbir Singh Manhas, District President Jammu Rural A; Joginder Singh Kaku, DDC Nagrota; Vijay Laxami Datta, senior leader; Dilshad Malik, Vice President Central Zone; Ch. Rehmat Ali, former BDC Chairman; Thoru Ram, Block President; Balwant Singh, Block President; Ashok Singh; Devinder Singh; Ajay Singh; and others.
