Srinagar, Sep 23 (KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday paid tributes to Maharaja Hari Singh on his birth anniversary at the party headquarters in Jawahar Nagar here.

J&K BJP General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul, along with J&K Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, MLAs, party Vice President Dr Shehnaz Ganie and other senior leaders, paid floral tributes to the former ruler on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Koul said the contribution of Maharaja Hari Singh to Jammu and Kashmir would always be remembered.

He described Maharaja Hari Singh as a man of "sheer will and determination" who pursued progressive policies for his citizens.

Referring to the Maharaja's rule over a Muslim-majority state, Koul said it was important to recognise that he rose above communal stereotyping and stood by his words, "Justice is my religion", which he said was his first statement after assuming the high office in 1925.

Koul said Maharaja Hari Singh did not discriminate between his Hindu and Muslim subjects.

Dr Darakhshan Andrabi highlighted Maharaja Hari Singh's decision to accede to India, saying the erstwhile ruler's "wisdom" had benefited the region immensely.

"Today is the day of Maharaja Hari Singh's birthday.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelAt that time, he decided that when our whole India became free, the princely status would go with India," Andrabi said.

"And the decision he took, today we are seeing how wisely he took the decision and how much we have benefited from it. Today, we are with India and our country," she said.

MLAs Ranbir Singh Pathania and Devyani Singh Rana said the people of Jammu and Kashmir were observing the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh with pride.

They said, "Today, we are an inseparable and proud part of the great Indian nation due to his vision and courage."

The MLAs described Maharaja Hari Singh as a social reformer who, according to them, ruled not for power but to serve his people.

They said he promoted education for women and the underprivileged, provided rights of worship to Dalits and initiated Panchayati Raj reforms.

"His philosophy was clear: as a ruler, he had no religion; justice was his religion," they said.

BJP state secretaries Arif Raja and Mudasir Wani, state spokespersons Altaf Thakur, Sahil Bashir and Manzoor Bhat, Media Incharge Advocate Sajid Yousuf Shah, Salinder Singh, Imtiyaz Bhat and other senior party leaders were present on the occasion.(KNS)