Jammu, November 3: Senior Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) leaders on Monday intensified their campaign for Shamim Begum, the party’s candidate for the 77-Nagrota Assembly bye-election, pledging to revive the constituency’s reputation as a model of development, inclusivity, and progress.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and Cabinet Minister Javed Rana, joined by Provincial President (Jammu) Rattan Lal Gupta and other senior leaders including Arjun Singh, Er. Khursheed, and Javed Iqbal, addressed a series of public meetings at Jindrah and Bambyal in the Nagrota constituency.
Speaking at the gatherings, Surinder Choudhary said that Nagrota had suffered “development reversals” during what he termed the BJP’s “decade-long indirect misrule.”
> “Under the BJP, Nagrota’s developmental momentum was derailed. Once Shamim Begum is elected, our focus will be on upgrading road connectivity, healthcare, education, and essential services,” Choudhary said, adding that the “wave of transformation” witnessed under the National Conference government would soon reach Nagrota.
Javed Rana, in his address, said that former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s leadership had restored public faith in democratic institutions that had been weakened under the BJP.
> “Omar Abdullah’s government brought governance closer to the people. The inclusive approach we adopted—through consultations with traders, legislators, and citizens—revitalized the economy, especially after the restoration of the Darbar Move,” Rana said.
He added that much of Nagrota’s current infrastructure was developed during the previous National Conference government and pledged renewed investment in roads, health, and education.
> “Shamim Ji’s victory will strengthen our mission to take Nagrota to new heights of progress,” he said.
Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President (Jammu), said that a “clear wave” in favor of the National Conference was visible from Kupwara to Kathua, citing recent Rajya Sabha election trends.
> “People see hope in Omar Abdullah and the National Conference’s inclusive vision,” Gupta remarked. “Shamim Ji represents that secular and people-centric spirit. Her victory will ensure equitable development for all sections of society in Nagrota.”
Addressing the gatherings, Shamim Begum appealed to voters to give a decisive mandate to the National Conference.
> “Together, we can build a Nagrota that truly reflects our shared aspirations for peace, progress, and prosperity,” she said.
Several senior party leaders and office-bearers were present at the campaign events, including former MLA Bimla Luthra, former MLC Deepinder Kour, SC Cell Chairman Vijay Lochan, OBC Cell Chairman Abdul Gani Teli, Central Zone Vice President Rakesh Singh Raka, District Presidents Raghvir Singh Manhas, Sunil Verma, and Ram Parshotam, as well as Rita Gupta, Rajni Devi, Akash Verma, and Siraj Din, among others.
