Jammu, Nov 09: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) leaders concluded a vibrant and power-packed campaign in support of the party’s candidate Shamim Begum for the Nagrota bye-elections, drawing enthusiastic participation and an overwhelming public response.
Leading the campaign trail, Deputy Chief Minister and senior NC leader Surinder Choudhary addressed a series of well-attended public meetings at Jandiyal in Mathwar block, Nagrota constituency. He was joined by Additional General Secretary Ajay Sadhotra, Provincial President (Jammu) Rattan Lal Gupta, DDC Dhansal and the party’s candidate Shamim Begum, who together sought a decisive mandate for the National Conference, highlighting its proven record of good governance, transparency, and administrative accountability during the past year.
In his address, Surinder Choudhary launched a strong attack on the BJP, accusing it of neglecting Jammu despite having 28 MLAs from the region. “The Union government led by the BJP turned a blind eye to the people of Jammu during the past year,” he said. “Where were the BJP legislators when our mothers and sisters were grappling with floodwaters and landslides? Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and I, along with my cabinet colleagues, were on the ground, shoulder to shoulder with our people. Not a single penny was sent by the central government for relief or restoration. Whatever was done to restore life and normalcy in Jammu was achieved by the Omar Abdullah-led NC government. This is the time to hold the BJP accountable for its deceit and inaction.”
Ajay Sadhotra, in his address, described Jammu as the land of Sufis and saints, Reshis and Munis, where harmony and coexistence have always flourished. “Jammu has always been a cradle of tolerance and unity — and that is what unsettles the BJP,” he remarked. “They prefer to brush real issues under the carpet and divide people to seek votes. But the people of Nagrota will reject their deceit and hollow promises.”
Rattan Lal Gupta, addressing the gathering, said that the National Conference is determined to reverse the developmental setbacks Nagrota suffered during the BJP’s decade-long indirect misrule. “If elected, Shamim Begum will prioritise all-round development — in roads, healthcare, education, and basic amenities,” he said. “The BJP has repeatedly hoodwinked people by exploiting emotions and fostering divisions instead of addressing real issues. That must change, and it will change with Shamim Begum’s victory.” Gupta also lauded the Omar Abdullah-led government for restoring public faith in democratic institutions that had been eroded under the BJP’s indirect rule. “The biggest achievement of Omar Abdullah’s government has been opening the corridors of power to the common people. During our first budget, consultations were held with traders, legislators, and the public. The restoration of the Darbar Move has boosted trade and commerce, and Nagrota, like the rest of Jammu, is back on the path of progress. Whatever infrastructure exists here today was built under NC governments, and we are committed to taking it further,” he said.
Bashir Ahmad Veeri Honble MLA, praised the Omar Abdullah government for giving equal representation to Jammu in the cabinet, reviving the Darbar Move, and fast-tracking development projects that had been stalled for years. “Projects once put in cold storage are now seeing the light of day due to Omar Abdullah’s leadership. Shamim Ji’s victory will strengthen these efforts and bring a renewed wave of development to Nagrota,”
In her address, Shamim Begum criticised the BJP for neglecting Jammu, particularly Nagrota, in employment and development. “There hasn’t been a single recruitment drive for police or paramilitary forces in Nagrota for a decade, and no local officer has been appointed to higher ranks,” she said. “If elected, I will focus on creating job opportunities and ensuring sustained development for the people of this constituency.”
Concluding the campaign, the National Conference leaders expressed confidence that the people of Nagrota will stand with development, inclusivity, and accountability, and deliver a resounding victory to Shamim Begum in the forthcoming bye-elections.
Among others who were present in the meeting : Babu Rampal Former Minister and Central Zone President , Bimla Luthra former MLA, Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell, Abdul Gani Teli Chairman OBC Cell, Joginder Singh Kaku DDC Nagrota, Rakesh Singh Raka Vice President Central Zone, Satwant Kour Dogra Provincial President Women Wing Jammu, Raghvir Singh Manhas District President Jammu Rural A, Thoru Ram Block President, Balwant Singh Block President, Davinder Singh Block President, Subash Chander Block President, Mehmood Rizvi Advocate,Rajni Devi Working President Women Wing, Hamid Choudhary, Rakesh Sharma, M.K and others.