Jammu region remains always politically fertile ground for National Conference: Sadhotra

• Union Budget falls short on women, youth & poverty: Rattan Lal Gupta

JAMMU: A daylong conference of the functionaries of the National Conference (NC) Jammu Urban was held under the leadership of Chander Mohan Sharma, President JKNC Jammu Urban at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan. The meeting was jointly attended by Ajay Sadhotra, Additional General Secretary and former Minister,Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President Jammu and Babu Rampal former minister and Central Zone President.

In his opening address, District President Jammu Urban Chander Mohan Sharma apprised the senior functionaries of the Party about the hardships being faced by the people of Jammu in absence of elected government. He threw light on lack of better healthcare facilities, acute shortages of potable water, erratic electricity supply, dilapidated condition of roads, worse condition of ration supply etc.

Addressing the party workers, former Minister Ajay Sadhotra asserted that the Jammu region remains always politically fertile ground for the National Conference, far more than any other political party. He underscored the unyielding support the people of Jammu have always extended to National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah  emphasizing the party's unparalleled connection with the region's populace.

He maintained that the National Conference has always been the torchbearer for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, advocating for their rights and working tirelessly to uplift every segment of society. The whole Jammu region always stood resolutely behind Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah and the ideals of the National Conference, he added. "Our achievements in socio-economic development and cultural preservation are a testament to our unwavering dedication to this region," he added.

Provincial President Rattan Lal Gupta expressed disappointment with the Union Budget, stating that it has failed to provide any new measures or relief for the general public as well as the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that the Budget does not adequately address the pressing economic challenges faced by the nation. Furthermore, he criticized the Budget for lacking significant provisions for women empowerment, youth development, and support for the poorer sections of society.  He highlighted concerns over the lack of concrete measures to stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and address the financial distress faced by various sectors.

Expressing concern for the farming community, Rattan Lal said that the ruling government at the Centre has miserably failed to do any specific for the farmers. He challenged the government to provide clarity on the number of farmers whose income has genuinely doubled in the last decade, scrutinizing the efficacy of agricultural policies. As the nation grapples with economic challenges, he urged the government to move beyond rhetoric and focus on implementing practical solutions that address the genuine needs of the people.

The Provincial President emphasized that only the National Conference can guarantee the protection of job and land rights for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring their interests are safeguarded. He asked the people of Jammu region to support wholeheartedly National Conference in the ensuing Assembly elections with an aim to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are defended against any adverse policies or external pressures. He reiterated the party's commitment to upholding the region's unique identity and securing a prosperous future for its citizens. 

Babu Rampal, President Central Zone and former Minister criticized the government for failing to protect the rights of the weaker sections of society. He argued that the current administration's policies have neglected the needs and concerns of these vulnerable groups, leaving them without adequate support and resources. He called upon the party cadre to make people of weaker sections aware about the key achievements of National Conference to get their support in the upcoming polls.

With the upcoming Assembly elections on the horizon, Pardeep Bali and Ayub Malik Provincial Secretaries Jammu asked party cadre to galvanize their efforts and prepare for a decisive victory, urging them to reconnect with the grassroots, rekindle the party's historic bond with the people, and mobilize support to ensure the National Conference's triumph in the upcoming polls.

Among those who were present include Bimla Luthra former MLA, Bushan Lal Bhat former MLC, Satwant Kour Dogra Provincial President Women Wing Jammu, Ankush Abrol, Surjeet Singh Manhas Joint Secretaries Jammu, Vijay Lochan Chairman SC cell, Abdul Gani Teli Chairman OBC Cell,  Vijay Laxami Datta Sr leader, Shamim Begum DDC Dansal, Ch. Rehmat Ali BDC Chairman, Rakesh Singh Raka, Rita Gupta, Rahul Mahajan Vice Presidents Central Zone, Dr. Vikas, Master Aslam Secretaries Central Zone, Anoop Sharma, Farman Ali District Secretaries, Jammu Urban, Ashok Dogra, Rashida Begum, Satpal Karlopia former corporators, S. Gurnam Singh Block President Jammu West, Ashwani Charak Block President Jammu East, S. Parvinder Singh Block President Gandhi Nagar, Davinder Sharma Block President Jammu West B, S. Sandeep Singh Zonal President YNC, Pinky Khalsa District President Jammu Urban Women wing, Daljeet Sharma District President Jammu Rural B Women wing, Shabir Sambyal,  District Vice President Jammu Urban  Ashanand District Joint Secretary Jammu Urban,Surinder Kumar Vice President Jammu West, Vikram Gupta, Shashi pal, Ashwani Dubey Ward President 12, S. Tejinder Singh District President Jammu Urban YNC, Parbhat Kaphai, Asha Mehra, Randhir Chib,Waris Gill President Christian Cell, Rakesh Sharma District President Rural A YNC, Devi Ditta District President Jammu Urban OBC Cell, Jatinder Singh Lucky,Sahil Chib District Secretary Rural YNC, Sahil Kerni District Secretary Jammu Urban, Anju Grover, Irshad Bibi Sarpanch, Rakesh Naib Sarpanch, Nitish Gowsami, Ajay Kumar Block Secretary Jammu Urban, Joginder Kour, Raja Naveed, S. Sewak Singh and others.