Jammu, Mar 17: National Conference Additional General Secretary and former minister, Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, on Sunday criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the ongoing delay in elections to the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, saying it undermines democratic principles and the rights of the people in the region.
Speaking at a function held in the Jammu North Assembly Constituency at Lower Muthi, Sadhotra condemned the Election Commission of India (ECI) for not announcing simultaneous elections to the assembly and Lok Sabha, as done in other states like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim.
He highlighted the prolonged denial of the right to choose their own government in Jammu and Kashmir, saying that if conditions were conducive for Lok Sabha polls, there should be no obstacle to holding assembly elections. He criticized the BJP’s actions and policies, labelling them as anti-people and anti-J&K. “The BJP has marginalized the interests of the local population and eroded democratic norms,” he alleged.
Provincial President of the National Conference in Jammu, Rattan Lal Gupta, questioned the BJP’s governance approach and commitment to inclusivity and democratic values, citing Jammu and Kashmir as a “glaring example”. “The ruling party is disregarding public sentiments by delaying elections, causing frustration among the population,” he said.
Former minister and Zonal President Jammu Central, Ram Pal, accused the BJP of resorting to malicious campaigns against opponents, especially the National Conference. “The BJP has lowered the political discourse with falsehoods and lies,” he said and called for rejection of such politics by the people. Ram Pal urged people to support the National Conference which he said stands for holistic development and equal opportunities for all.
Welcoming former BJP Corporator Satpal Karloopia and his workers into the National Conference fold, the leaders urged people to support the party, saying NC has made “historical contributions” to the upliftment and development of all regions in J&K.
Karloopia, according to the NC statement, criticized the BJP for “neglecting” the interests of the people. He expressed faith in the leadership of Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah.
