DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
JAMMU, Apr 25
Nation cannot forget the indispensable role played by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, and Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in protecting the integrity and sovereignty of the erstwhile state from evaders during the tumultuous period after nation’s independence in 1947.
This was stated by Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President, J&K National Conference, Jammu, in a statement issued here today.
Reacting strongly over the statement of a leader from B team of BJP who is contesting Parliamentary election from Anantnag- Rajouri constituency for blaming the National Conference for present situation in the Valley, the senior NC leader has expressed deep disappointment regarding the recent negative campaigning undertaken by the BJP sponsor parties fearing their defeat in the four coming parliamentary elections.
The Provincial President emphasized that Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, a figure widely loved by the people, holds a deep place in their hearts. The National Conference as well as Congress Party has consistently stood for democracy in Jammu and Kashmir. During the period from 1990 to 1996, when the democratic system was absent, it was the NC and its leadership that tirelessly worked towards reinstating democracy in the region, even at the cost of hundreds of dedicated party workers’ lives.
Recalling the warm welcome extended by the then Prime Minister, H.V Deve Gowda, to Dr. Farooq Abdullah, who had restored democracy in Jammu and Kashmir, Gupta highlighted the significance of that moment. Deve Gowda had specially visited Jammu and Kashmir at that time to participate in the oath ceremony of Dr. Farooq Abdullah as the Chief Minister of the state. He said India gained independence in 1947, but at that time, the country had not so much resources.
It was under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru and the Congress party that India underwent significant development on modern lines. Nehru was responsible for the implementation of several groundbreaking initiatives, including the Green and White Revolutions, which transformed the agriculture and dairy industries of the country. Similarly, Sheikh Abdullah played a vital role in promoting education and welfare for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The efforts of these leaders have helped shape the modern India we see today.
Following the legacy of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the development of Jammu and Kashmir continued under the leadership of Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah during the regimes of the National Conference in the erstwhile state.
They carried forward their Sher-e-Kashmir’s vision and worked towards the progress and welfare of the common masses.
In view of above mentioned facts, Rattan Lal Gupta urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to vote and support wholeheartedly the INDIA alliance candidates Mr Raman Bhalla congress candidate from Jammu Parliamentary Constituency and all the three National Conference INDIA alliance candidates from Kashmir, Mr Mian Altaf from Anantnag- Rajouri Parliamentary Constituency, Aga Syed Rahullah from Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency and Mr Omar Abdullah from Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency in order to bring peace, prosperity, brotherhood and development in Jammu and Kashmir.
