Jammu, November 13: In a major political realignment that deals a significant blow to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Pir Panjal region, several senior office bearers of the BJP’s Mendhar unit today joined the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), strengthening the party’s grassroots presence in the border belt.
Among the prominent BJP leaders who joined the National Conference are Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Sharma (Fancy), BJP Mandal Pradhan Mendhar; Om Prakash Sharma, BJP Vice President Mendhar; and Kishore Kumar Sharma.
Their decision to switch sides is being seen as a reflection of the growing public trust in the JKNC’s inclusive, development-driven and regionally balanced politics.
The new entrants were accorded a warm welcome by Cabinet Minister and Provincial President (Pir Panjal Region) Javed Ahmed Rana, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani (Sogami), Provincial President Jammu Rattan Lal Gupta and senior leader and former Minister Ajay Sadhotra.
The joining ceremony was also attended by former Minister Babu Rampaul, MLA Arjun Raju, Sheikh Bashir, former MLA Bimla Luthra, Vijay Lochan, Abdul Ghani Teli, Tejinderpal Singh and several other senior functionaries of the party.
Welcoming the new members, Minister Javed Ahmed Rana expressed satisfaction over the National Conference’s expanding base in the Pir Panjal region, calling it a clear sign of the people’s growing faith in the party’s vision.
“The shift of leaders and workers from the BJP to the National Conference underscores the public’s confidence in the secular, democratic and pluralistic ethos of the JKNC led by Dr. Farooq Abdullah,” Rana said.
“Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the JKNC Government is committed to balanced regional development, peace and welfare-oriented governance.”
Rana further emphasized that the National Conference remains steadfast in its commitment to unity, inclusiveness and equitable growth across all regions and communities of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The people of Pir Panjal have realized that only the National Conference can safeguard their rights, promote harmony and ensure holistic development without discrimination,” he added.
Expressing their gratitude, the newly joined leaders pledged to strengthen the hands of the JKNC leadership and dedicate themselves to the service of the people of Mendhar and the larger Pir Panjal region under the party’s banner.
