Jammu and Kashmir BJP President and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Sat Sharma CA, along with General Secretary (Organization) Ashok Koul, MLA Surjit Singh Salathia, and MLA Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal, addressed a major public programme organized under the VB-GRAM-G initiative in Samba district.
A massive rally was also led by the BJP as part of the ‘Viksit Bharat and G-Ram-G’ awareness campaign, urging people to actively participate in the collective mission of making India a developed nation.
J&K BJP Vice-President and District Samba Prabhari Rekha Mahajan, Vice-President Rashpaul Verma, General Secretary Sanjita Dogra, DDC Chairperson Keshav Dutt Sharma, Secretary Arun Sharma, District President Asha Rani, DDCs Suresh Kumar Phalli, Ramesh Kumar, and other senior leaders and party workers were present.
Addressing the gathering, Sat Sharma delivered a forceful and visionary address, stating that ‘Viksit Bharat’ represents a clear, decisive and inclusive roadmap to transform India into a developed nation by 2047. He said the vision focuses on comprehensive development through infrastructure expansion, economic reforms, social empowerment and equitable growth for every region and section of society.
Sat Sharma asserted that Jammu and Kashmir, once held back by decades of instability, weak governance and policy neglect, is today witnessing a historic transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Jammu and Kashmir today stands firmly integrated into the national development process and is progressing at par with other states and Union Territories,” he said, adding that peace, transparency and targeted governance have created a strong foundation for sustained growth.
He stressed that the coming years are crucial for India’s future and that Jammu and Kashmir has a vital role in this national mission. Strengthening Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, he said, is essential to accelerate development, safeguard peace and ensure long-term prosperity for the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Ashok Koul highlighted the wide-ranging benefits of the Viksit Bharat initiative in Jammu and Kashmir. He said unprecedented progress has been made in road, rail and power infrastructure, healthcare, education and digital connectivity in the years following the abrogation of Article 370. Massive investments in highways, tunnels and railway projects, he added, have reduced regional imbalances, improved access to remote and border areas, and opened new avenues for tourism, trade and employment, particularly for youth.
Koul also emphasized the importance of grassroots empowerment under G-Ram-G, stating that the initiative focuses on participatory development by involving panchayats and local communities in planning and implementation. He said transparency, accountability and people’s participation are central to sustainable development.
In his address, Surjit Singh Salathia underlined the role of transparent governance, digital platforms and Direct Benefit Transfer mechanisms in ensuring that welfare schemes reach the intended beneficiaries without leakages. He said initiatives related to housing, health insurance, pensions, rural development and social security have delivered tangible benefits on the ground.
Referring to last year’s floods and incessant rains that caused extensive damage in the Jammu region, Salathia said the Centre sanctioned ₹1,430 crore for flood restoration works following sustained efforts by BJP MLAs from the Jammu division. He said the funds will be utilised for repairing damaged roads, bridges, irrigation channels and public utilities, besides strengthening flood-control and disaster-mitigation infrastructure to minimise future losses. He appealed to the people to support the Viksit Bharat campaign and contribute actively to building a strong, self-reliant India.
Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal, MLA Ramgarh, said the G-Ram-G initiative aligns perfectly with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of empowering villages as the foundation of a developed India. He said the initiative seeks to transform villages into self-reliant units by improving basic infrastructure, strengthening livelihood opportunities, enhancing access to government services and promoting local entrepreneurship.
Dr. Manyal said special focus is being laid on rural roads, drinking water, sanitation, power supply, digital connectivity and skill development at the village level. He added that various skill development, self-employment and entrepreneurship programmes have been launched to enable youth to become job creators rather than job seekers.
“The emphasis is on channelising the energy of youth towards constructive nation-building and making them active stakeholders in development,” he said.
Asha Rani earlier delivered the welcome note and the programme proceedings were conducted by Pinta Sambyal.