STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Making a firm commitment to enact laws guaranteeing land and job protection for people of Jammu and Kashmir, if voted to power, Chairman Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), Ghulam Nabi Azad, on Tuesday said that there will be no discrimination with anyone and opportunities of progress will be available to all, irrespective of religion, region or caste.
Addressing the workers in Kathua after filing of nomination papers by Vice Chairman DPAP G.M. Saroori for the Udhampur-Doda Lok Sabha Constituency, Azad underscored the pivotal role of an effective campaign in ensuring the success of his party candidate.
He emphasized the need for unity and brotherhood among people, urging voters to support development and progress.
He said, “When an injured person goes to the hospital for blood, doctors don’t see his or her religion. Then why do we see religion in politics? We must vote for the MP candidate who will raise public issues in Parliament.” Azad stressed the necessity of defeating those entities that seek to divide people along religious lines, as well as political parties that have failed to address the issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir.
Azad pointed out that in Parliament, both regional parties and the Congress remained silent on J&K matters, saying that it was during his tenure as Leader of the Opposition that he vocally advocated for the concerns of the people.
On ensuring protection of land and jobs for the bonafide residents of Jammu and Kashmir, Azad cited the historical context, mentioning that Maharaja Hari Singh had introduced laws prohibiting outsiders from purchasing land or obtaining employment in the region.
He said “Maharaja Hari Singh was a visionary leader, who deeply cared for his people and instituted the state subject law along with land and job protection. Today, even low-level employees are being hired from outside, while our local youth are left unemployed. We fought for statehood in Parliament, and we must persist in our efforts until we achieve it.”
Speaking on the occasion, G.M. Saroori, DPAP candidate stressed the importance of choosing an MP, who is committed to progress and promised to fight for the people’s interests.
He said, “My track record is clear. As a three-time MLA, I have consistently served the people and fought for their interests. I promise to address public issues in Parliament. The current MP is disconnected from the people, but I will work tirelessly for the welfare of the people.”
“We need to continue the work in the same manner as Azad did as CM and Union Minister. The focus should be on building more schools, colleges, universities, roads, and other infrastructure”, he added
Among others present on the occasion included R.S.Chib Gen Secretary, Jugal Kishore Sharma Provincial President, Majeed Wani Gen Secretary, Anita Thakur Gen Secretary, Vinod Mishra Gen Secretary, Ch Haroon Khatana Gen Secretary, Salman Nizami Chief Spokesperson, Ch Gharu Ram Zonal President, Ashok Sharma VP Province, Gh Hyder Malik Vice President Province, Subash Gupta VP Province, Davinder Singh Bindu Sr leader DPAP, Brijeshwar Singh Indu Distt President Kathua, Hira Lal Abrol, Sunita Arora, Gurmeet Kaur, Gourav Chopra, Gauri Shankar, P.R. Manhas, Ashok Bhagat, Prabha Salathia and others.
Two more candidates on Tuesday filed their nomination papers from the Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency for first phase of ensuing parliamentary elections scheduled to be held in Jammu and Kashmir on April 19.
The candidates, including Mohd Ali Gujjar as Independent Candidate, and Ghulam Mohd Saroori from Democratic Progressive Azad Party, filed their nomination papers in the office of Returning Officer Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency.
With filing of nomination papers by these two candidates, the total number of candidates who have filed their candidature for 4-Udhampur PC goes to seven.
The last day for filing of nomination papers is March 27, 2024 up to 03:00 PM.
