Samba, Apr 09: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Working President Raman Bhalla on Tuesday emphasised the significance of the upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the people eagerly anticipate them for the first time in the region’s history.
During a series of election meetings in various parts of Samba district at Nud, Jatwal, Ghagwal, Rajpura, and Vijaypur, Bhalla stressed the vital role of Jammu in isolating divisive forces that threaten the region’s communal harmony.
He pledged the Congress’s commitment to advocating for the political and economic empowerment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “The Congress would spare no effort in ensuring peace, prosperity, and development in the region,” he asserted.
Addressing the gatherings, the JKPCC leader said there is a prevailing sense of political alienation among the people. He attributed it to the urgent desire for elections, unlike in the past. He criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for “betraying the trust” of the people of Jammu after coming to power and accused them of pursuing their political interests at the expense of the region’s welfare.
Bhalla criticised the BJP for downgrading the historic Dogra State into two Union Territories and allowing non-locals to exploit natural resources, thereby exacerbating unemployment and economic challenges for the local population.
He urged the people to support the Congress in the upcoming elections, promising to address issues such as unemployment, price rises, and resource extraction by non-locals. “It is a democratic right of the people to elect their representatives,” he said and pledged to strengthen democratic institutions in Jammu and Kashmir.
Bhalla reiterated the Congress’s commitment to unity and peace in Jammu and Kashmir, vowing to thwart divisive forces seeking to exploit regional and religious differences for political gain. He urged Congress leaders to counteract the efforts of anti-social elements and opportunistic politicians who seek to divide society for personal gain.
The Congress leader highlighted the importance of peace for development, asserting that meaningful development cannot occur without adequate employment opportunities.
