National Conference Additional General Secretary and former Minister, Mr Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, today called upon the people to prepare themselves for the forthcoming Urban Local Bodies (ULB) and panchayat elections and actively participate as partners in decision-making at the grassroots level.
“Vibrant democratic institutions are the foundation of good governance and people’s welfare, and their strengthening begins with empowered local bodies”, Mr Sadhotra said while addressing a day-long National Conference convention at Pakhian Mishriwalla in the Jammu North Assembly Constituency which was organized by Mr Ved Parkash Sharma who has been assigned the task of Organizing 12 Panchayats of Jammu North Assembly Constituency for ensuing Panchayats and Kulwant Singh Manhas, Sardar Joginder Singh.
Mr Sadhotra urged electors to come forward in large numbers and exercise their democratic rights. He said the National Conference has always believed in decentralisation of power and meaningful participation of citizens in governance, which alone can address local issues effectively and ensure balanced development.
Mr Sadhotra exhorted the people to defeat the BJP, accusing it of pursuing divisive politics as its sole agenda. He said that instead of focusing on development, employment, and public welfare, the BJP has consistently sought to polarise society for narrow and nefarious political gains. By creating a wedge between communities, the BJP has pushed the nation to the edge, weakening social harmony and eroding the spirit of unity and brotherhood, he added.
Reiterating the National Conference’s core ideology, Mr Sadhotra said the party stands for inclusive growth and equal opportunities for all, irrespective of region, religion, or background. He stressed that peace, stability, and progress can only be achieved through policies that unite people and address their real concerns, not through politics of division and fear.
Mr Sadhotra also urged the National Conference cadre to reach out to the people at the grassroots level, assess their day-to-day problems, and seek timely solutions by taking up issues at appropriate forums. He said the cadre must ensure that people are made fully aware of the welfare schemes being implemented for their benefit, as the National Conference believes in taking the fruits of development to the last person in society.
Strongly reiterating the demand for restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Mr Sadhotra called for the immediate passage of business rules, saying the continued delay is detrimental to public interest and hampers effective governance. He reminded that despite assurances made on the floor of Parliament and sworn affidavits submitted before the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the BJP-led government has failed to walk the talk, betraying the trust of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
A resolution adopted at the convention hailed Chief Minister Jenab Omar Abdullah for pro-people initiatives, including the provision of 200 units of free electricity, enhanced rations for the poorest of the poor and marginalised, revival of bi-ennial Durbar Move and free bus travel for women. The resolution also appreciated the referral of thousands of posts to recruitment agencies to address unemployment among the youth.
It, however, expressed concern over delays in the recruitment process due to dual governance that has taken toll of the larger good of the public especially the educated unemployed. It stated that the so-called double engine government created mess in recruitment process by way of delaying and indulging in malpractices, as a result of which the crucial responsibility lies on the NC led pro-people government in assuaging the urges of unemployed youth.
The resolution expressed firm confidence that the Omar Abdullah-led government will fulfill all poll promises and ensure employment for one lakh young people during its five-year tenure, thereby laying the foundation for a prosperous, inclusive, and dignified future for Jammu and Kashmir.
Among those who were present in the meeting: - Mohd Ayub Malik Provincial Secretary Jammu, Raghbir Singh Manhas District President Jammu Rural A, Subash Bhagat, Satpal Karlopia former Corporators, Shabir Sambyal VicePresident District Jammu Urban, Rajesh Bakashi Former District President Jammu Urban, Sandeep Singh Manhas ( He organizing 14 wards of Jammu North Assembly Constituency for Jammu Municipal Corporation), Ram Mohd Advocate, Jatinder Singh Lucky Senior leader, Karanjeet and others.