Srinagar, 15 December (H.S.): To strengthen the grassroot democracy, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Jammu & Kashmir today urged the Government to hold the elections to urban local bodies and Panchayati Raj Institutions in the UT which are much over due now.

The issue was raised by BJP State president and MP Rajya Sabha (RS), Sat Sharma in the monthly meeting of MLAs held at party Headquarters, Trikuta Nagar here, today.

Sat Sharma later told Excelsior that his party will launch a UT wide campaign in this regard and impress upon the Government to hold the much over due elections to Panchayti Raj institutions including Panchayats and BDCs as well as local bodies. He said besides the elections to DDCs whose term is ending in February be also held to strengthen the grass root democracy in the UT to which BJP is committed.

Sharma said by holding the early elections to local bodies and Panchayti Raj institutions the BJP wants that participation of common man in the democratic institutions who were deprived of this right for over three decades by earlier Governments at State and Centre.

Endorsing Sat Sharma’s demand the LoP Sunil Sharma also pushed for early holding of the elections to basic democratic institutions in the UT which are now over due. He said holding of elections to basic institutions of democracy will strengthen the three tier democratic institutions in the State to which his party is committed.

During the meeting party reaffirmed its strong political resolve and social commitment towards the people of the Union Territory.

Sat Sharma (CA), who chaired the meeting, was accompanied by the Leader of Opposition, Sunil Sharma. Ashok Koul, general secretary (Organization), J&K BJP, and Dr. Narinder Singh, BJP national secretary and MLA, also addressed the meeting.

The meeting also reviewed ongoing organizational activities and performance of legislators, while discussing key public-centric developmental issues. A clear roadmap was drawn to further strengthen the party’s grassroots presence and ensure effective implementation of welfare initiatives across Jammu and Kashmir.

Sat Sharma while in his address asserted that the BJP remains the most faithful and fearless voice of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed that BJP MLAs must function with a mission-oriented approach, ensuring that the welfare schemes and inclusive policies of the Modi-led Government reach every section of society without discrimination. He emphasized the importance of constant public engagement, accessibility, and responsiveness, urging MLAs to stay connected with people at the grassroots. He lauded the MLAs for actively raising issues concerning common citizens and dedicating themselves wholeheartedly to public service.

Sunil Sharma stated that supported by a disciplined and committed cadre, the BJP has emerged as a credible symbol of development, integrity, and stability in Jammu and Kashmir. He reiterated the party’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and fast-paced development. Appreciating the consistent efforts of BJP MLAs for public welfare, he urged them to further intensify their grassroots outreach.

He added that the people of J&K have seen through the politics of deception and hollow promises practiced by NC, Congress, and PDP, and are increasingly rallying behind BJP’s vision of peace, prosperity, and empowerment.

Ashok Koul emphasized that BJP’s organizational strength lies in seamless coordination between elected representatives and the party cadre. He stressed that disciplined organization and service-driven politics are vital to ensure welfare measures reach the last person.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar