JAMMU, Jun 19: On the occasion of the birthday of senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, several leaders and workers from the BJP and other political parties in Reasi district joined the Indian National Congress in the presence of J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra.
Welcoming the new entrants into the party fold, Karra said their decision to join Congress reflected faith in the party’s ideology of justice, equality and inclusive development. He said the Congress party remains committed to protecting democratic values and strengthening social justice across the country.
Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s vision of “Mohabbat Ki Dukan”, Karra said the message of love, harmony, unity and brotherhood has inspired people across the nation and helped strengthen the Congress organisation at the grassroots level. He added that the increasing support for Congress demonstrates growing public confidence in the party’s policies and leadership.
The PCC chief said the rising number of people joining Congress indicates a “Badalta Hindustan” where citizens are looking towards the party as a credible alternative committed to democratic principles and inclusive growth. He expressed confidence that the new members would further strengthen the organisation and contribute to its mission of serving the people.
Karra also expressed satisfaction that the demand for restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, which he said was initiated by the Congress over one-and-a-half years ago, is now receiving support from various quarters and political parties. He recalled that the Congress had launched several programmes, including Srinagar Chalo, Jammu Chalo and Delhi Chalo, to intensify the movement for statehood.
Speaking on the occasion, PCC Working President Raman Bhalla said the Congress Party has always remained dedicated to serving the people and safeguarding their aspirations. He maintained that Congress has historically implemented programmes aimed at improving the lives of people, particularly those living in remote and underdeveloped areas.
Former Minister Jugal Kishore said the Congress believes in empowering people and ensuring equitable development. Criticising the BJP-led government, he alleged that unemployment, inflation and developmental challenges have increased during its tenure and claimed that the interests of farmers, youth and weaker sections have been neglected.
The joining programme was organised by DCC President Reasi Ajay Slalia and led by former minister Jugal Kishore. Slalia said Congress remains committed to addressing public concerns and welcomed all those willing to contribute to the party’s efforts for the welfare and development of Jammu and Kashmir.
Senior Congress leaders present on the occasion included Ved Mahajan (Former MLC), Vijay Sharma (Seva Dal Chief), Sanjeev Sharma (Panda), Iqbal Dar, Neeraj Gupta, Virinder Manhas, Rajvir Singh, Vijayant Pathania, Bhavishya Sudan, Sohit Sharma and Rajesh Sharma.
Prominent leaders who joined the Congress included Pritam Sharma (BJP District Spokesperson and President Panchayati Raj), Sher Singh (District Chairman OBC BJP), Ashok Kumar (Retired Teacher associated with RSS), Arshad (Panch and BJP Mandal Vice President Panchayati Raj), Rafiq (BJP Mandal Vice President), Gurvinder Singh, Parkash Singh, Jagdish Raj, Om Prakash, Sat Pal, Chamail Singh, Krishan Lal, Mulkh Raj, Liyaqat Panch, Mohammad Azam, Abdul Shakoor, Altaf Ahmed, Usman Majid, Prabh Dayal, Mohammad Yousaf, Khadam Hussain and Abid Hussain.
The Congress leadership expressed hope that the joining of these leaders and workers would further strengthen the party’s organisational base in Reasi district and enhance its outreach among the people.