JAMMU, JULY 11: Exuding confidence about National Conference forming government in Jammu and Kashmir on its own with absolute majority,Provincial President Mr Devender Singh Rana on Thursday said that all permutations and combinations by opponents would fall flat as political chemistry developing on ground zero ahead of assembly elections will surprise all, especially the political pundits.

“Jammu and Kashmir is bubbling with enthusiasm to have a strong, stable and responsive government under the banner of National Conference”, Mr Rana said while paying homage to Madr-e-Meharban Begum Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah on her 19th death anniversary at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan here this afternoon. The day-long women convention was organized by Women Wing Provincial President Mrs Satwant Kaur Dogra to commemorate the death anniversary of Madr-e-Meharban. A two-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to the memory of Madr-e-Meharban. Mr Rana declared that National Conference would not need crutches to form the government as the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh have made their mind to give a massive mandate to it since the coalition culture has proven detrimental to the interests of the state. The people, he said want good and responsive governance, jobs for youth,equitable development of all regions and sub-regions, vigorous implementation of welfare schemes, improving the quality of life of poor and weaker sections,politio-economic empowerment of marginalized segments of society especially the women.“The track record of National Conference governments in the past stand testimony to its sincerity and ability to deliver on ground zero”, Mr Rana added The Provincial President reiterated commitment of National Conference to 33 percent reservation for women in Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly once votedto power. This will be biggest tribute to Madr-e-Meharban, the champion of women emancipation and empowerment in the State.He said carving out a huge rolefor women in decision making and bringing them in the forefront to lead various disciplines will be in consonance with the mission of Begum Sahiba, which hasto be accomplished with sincerity of purpose.

Making a fervent appeal to the people to maintain the glorious traditions of amity and tranquility by isolating disruptive and peace inimical forces, Mr Rana said promoting brotherhood in the obtaining unfavourable atmosphere is need of the time. He called for preserving the unique character of unity in diversity of the state. “This has been the cherished agenda of Sher-e-Kashmir and Begum Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah who worked tirelessly all their life to strengthen the bonds of amity and brotherhood between communities and regions. He particularly referred to therole played by Madr-e-Mehrban in bringing about harmony, promoting femaleliteracy, empowering women in different spheres and working towards the betterment of down-trodden segments of society, irrespective of caste, creedand colour.

Paying tributes to Madr-e-Mehbran, National Conference WomenWing Provincial President Mrs Satwant Kaur Dogra recalled her role as aconscious-keeper of the party during imprisonment of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh MohammedAbdullah for 22 years. She said Madr-e-Meharban proved to be an affectionatemother, a dynamic leader and a great human being who had concern for the welfareand well-being of the people.

Mrs Dogra recalled the contribution of Begum Sahiba in womenemancipation and empowerment and said the besttribute to her would be toconcentrate on improving the status of women and ensuring their dignity at allcosts.

“Madr-e-Mehrban led the National Conference at a verycrucial juncture of the political evolution of Jammu and Kashmir whenBaba-e-Quom was in prison”, Mrs Dogra said adding that she infused strength inthe party cadre to meet the challenges with fortitude.She said that BegumSahiba will always remain an inspiration for women of the state who want toplay equal role in socio-economic transformation.While former MLC Th KashmiraSingh read out a poem as part of tribute to Madr-e-Meharban,National ConferenceWomen Wing State Vice President Mrs Bimla Luthra, Mrs Rashida Begum, MrsKuldeep Kour, Mrs Amrit Versha, Mrs Soma Devi, Mrs Puspa Dogra and Mrs DaljeetSharma dwelt upon various facets of the public service rendered by Begum SheikhMohammed Abdullah.