JAMMU JANUARY 17 (KNS):  National Conference Additional General Secretary and Former Minister Mr Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today lambasted the BJP for perpetual delay in elections to Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, which amounts to undermining democratic principles and rights of the people of this region. “Equally responsible is the Election Commission of India which ought to have announced the elections in Jammu and Kashmir simultaneously along with the Lok Sabha polls, as has been done in the four other states like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, Sadhotra said at a function held in Jammu North Assembly Constituency at Lower Muthi to welcome the former BJP Corporator of Jammu Municipal Corporation Ward No. 32 Mr Satpal Karloopia and his workers into National Conference.

 Sadhotra said that the ECI cannot just play on both sides of the fence, as it could have asserted its constitutional obligations of holding polls in Jammu and Kashmir where elections to the assembly were held a decade ago. It is too long a time in a democratic set up, and logically also, if the elections could be conducted in the Lok Sabha constituencies here why not to the Legislative Assembly, enabling the people to have a representative government, he asked. The National Conference Additional General Secretary said despite repeated promises post August 2019 political developments, the delay in elections in Jammu and Kashmir has raised concerns about the BJP's commitment to genuine democratic governance in this part of the country. He termed the BJP as anti people and anti J&K as its actions and policies have marginalized the interests of the local population and eroded democratic norms.

The delay in the assembly elections, along with other measures, has fueled perceptions of a disregard for the democratic rights and aspirations of the people of J&K, he added. Speaking on the occasion Provincial President National Conference Jammu Mr Rattan Lal Gupta questioned the BJP's approach to governance and its commitment to inclusivity and democratic values, saying Jammu and Kashmir is a glaring example. By not facilitating elections the so-called double engine government has demonstrated its sheer disregard for public sentiments and frustration in the ranks of the ruling elite, he added. Former Minister and Zonal President Jammu Central Mr Ram Pal assailed the BJP for unleashing a malicious campaign against the opponents, especially the National Conference, saying the party has ditched the people of Jammu and lowered the political discourse by resorting to falsehood and lies against its adversaries. National Conference Zonal President Udhampur-Reasi Zone Mr Abdul Gani Malik said that outright rejection by the people has unnerved the BJP and to carve out their lost space they are resorting to dirty politics, which is against the rich Jammu ethos. He said the discredited leaders stand isolated for their unhealthy acts during three years of BJP misrule. Mr Sadhotra and the other leaders said the BJP stands exposed for tits duplicity, deception and self-centric agenda, which took toll of the public interest.

The said reactionary and exploitative politics is not going to bail them out for their betrayal and the people have decided to teach a lesson to them by the strength of their votes for pushing this region to wall. Welcoming the former BJP Corporator Mr Satpal Karloopia and his workers into the party fold, the senior leaders exhorted the people to support the National Conference, which stands for holistic development of Jammu and Kashmir with opportunities of progress to all, irrespective of caste, creed, region or religion. They said history stands testimony to the contribution of the National Conference in the upliftment of people and development of all the regions and sub regions of J&K.

Reposing his faith in the leadership of Dr Farooq Abdullah and Mr Omar Abdullah, Mr Satpal Karloopia exposed the BJP, saying they have bartered the interests of the people. He said the lack of funds became a major obstacle for the Corporators like him to serve the people and improve the civic amenities and I have experienced BJP with antipoor, anti-rural and anti-SC/OBC. Prominent among those present on the occasion included S/Sh Pardeep Kumar Bali Provincial Secretary, Ghar Singh Chib Ex-Corporator Provincial Joint Secretary, Mr Ankush Abrol Provincial Joint Secretary, Raghubir Singh Manhas District President Jammu Rural-A, Rakesh Sharma YNC President Jammu Rural, Baru Ram Bhagat Vice President, Jammu District, Dr Vikas Sharma Zonal Secretary, Randhir Singh, Senior Vice President Marh Block, Manmohan Youth leader, Mohinder Rana, Bhagwan Dass Sharma, Darshana Bhagat, Kamla Devi, Sahil Singh Chib, Rohit Kerni, Amit Gupta.(KNS)