 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 20: Rattan Lal Gupta, the Provincial President of Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), has strongly criticized the NDA Government at the Centre for the systematic deprivation of Scheduled Caste (SC) members and other underprivileged classes of their basic rights. Speaking at a day-long convention of the National Conference Scheduled Caste Cell chaired by Vijay Lochan, Gupta lamented that these marginalized communities have been ignored and sidelined under the governance of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the convention held at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan in Jammu, Rattan Lal Gupta reaffirmed National Conference's unwavering commitment to the welfare of underprivileged classes, including the SC community. He voiced his party's determination to rectify the discrimination faced by these communities under the current dispensation, pledging to restore their fundamental rights and social justice if the National Conference comes to power in the Assembly elections.
Gupta reminded attendees of National Conference's history of protective legislations, highlighting how they provided land to farmers, benefitting 80 percent of SCs and underprivileged communities. He stressed that the party had ensured their representation in corridors of power and pulled them out of poverty. Gupta expressed confidence that if the National Conference gains power, it will implement the Sher-e-Kashmir Awas Yojana for the benefit of the poor, ensure continuous power and water supply in urban areas, and establish health centers in all urban wards.
Challenging the claims of job opportunities made by the Lieutenant Governor, Gupta pointed out that 50,000 promised posts remain unfilled while recruitment scandals persist. He criticized the BJP-led government for failing to deliver on their promises to the youth, particularly those living near the border areas.
Vijay Lochan, during his address, emphasized National Conference's historical support for the underprivileged, especially the SC community. He expressed confidence in their overwhelming support for National Conference candidates in upcoming Panchayat, Urban Local Body, and Assembly elections.
Sheikh Ahmed Bashir, Provincial Secretary, urged the SC and deprived community members to rally behind Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah. He also encouraged party members to strengthen the party's presence in their respective constituencies.
Prominent figures present at the convention included Andul Gani Teli, Chairman of the OBC Cell, Mohinder Singh, Senior Vice President of Central Zone, Rakesh Singh Raka, Central Zone Vice President, Vijay Lakhshmi Datta, Rita Gupta, Vice Presidents of Central Zone, Naresh Bittu, District President of Jammu Rural B, and various other leaders and officials.
The convention underscored the National Conference's commitment to empowering marginalized communities and advocating for their rights and well-being in the Union Territory. |
