Jammu, July 30 (Scoop News)-Provincial President Devender Singh Rana on Tuesday declared that National Conference will spring a big surprise in 2014 assembly elections by registering a significant victory in the Jammu region, as elsewhere in the State, thus proving predictors of doom wrong.
“We will emerge as a strong force and a predominant player in Jammu as well under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah”, he said adding that it will be a repeat of 1996.
Replying to questions by media persons, soon after the joining of a prominent leader of PoK Refugees Mr Rajiv Chuni, along with a large number of his supporters in National Conference at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan here, he said that his party will prove the political pundits wrong by maintaining its supremacy in the Jammu province as well.
“In 2008, National Conference bagged six assembly seats and finished close second in nine constituencies despite vicious atmosphere created by BJP and PDP over Amarnath land row”, he said adding that in the coming elections “we will bounce back at the strength of public support”. He said his party will field committed and dedicated candidates who enjoy mass base and support of the people due to their unflinching determination and contribution in public service.
On being asked about alliance with Congress, Mr Rana said that decision in this regard will be taken by the party president, Dr Farooq Abdullah with the Congress High Command. He said whatever the decision; the National Conference cadre will carry forward it with a sense of commitment as a disciplined party. He, however, added that the National Conference is preparing for the elections in a big way and referred to the enthusiasm among the cadre and people towards the party he witnessed during extensive tour of the region.
To a question about the problems confronted to PoK refugees of 1947, 1965 and 1971, Mr Rana asserted that his party has already espoused their genuine cause at the highest political and executive level in the country.
“Chief Minister Mr Omar Abdullah has vehemently advocated a mega package for the PoK refugees and sought the indulgence of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, in New Delhi as also during his visit to Srinagar recently, for arriving at an expeditious decision, as these people have immensely suffered over the years”, Mr Rana said adding that National Conference will not rest till their demands are met. He dispelled the misgivings about his party leadership having been averse to the cause of PoK refugees and said what can be proof of its support than the fact that National Conference took up the issue at the party level by submitting a memorandum to the Prime Minister. “Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has been pursuing it consistently”, he maintained and said that National Conference is committed towards the welfare of the state subjects which include the PoK refugees as well.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Rajiv Chuni described his joining along with his supporters as a conscious and well considered decision, saying the displaced people of PoK believe in the sincerity of National Conference in getting their problems resolved.
He and his supporters reposed immense faith in the leadership of Dr Farooq Abdullah and Mr Omar Abdullah and pledged to work for strengthening National Conference, a party which they described as a public movement that has worked for the upliftment and betterment of all segments of Jammu and Kashmir population.
To a question, Mr Chuni said that rehabilitation of displaced people is a human problem which needs to be tackled with humane approach. He regretted over the real politick of Bharatya Janata Party and said that a parliamentary panel headed by its senior leader Venkaiah Naidu has ignored the real representatives of PoK refugees and instead invited its party activists to a meeting currently being held in the national capital to discuss the problems of refugees.
He said the PoK refugees comprise the displaced people of Muzaffarabad, Mirpur and Poonch who are genuine state subjects of Jammu and Kashmir. He said his organization will continue to work for preserving the socio-cultural and linguistic identity of the PoK refugees, who are struggling for their rightful cause since the past 65 years.
Besides being a prominent leader of Pok refugees, Mr Chuni is Chairman of S. O. S. International – a registered NGO working for the upliftment of PoK Refugees and other displaced sections of J&K. For his hard work and commitment to the people, he has been bestowed upon several awards.
Earlier, Mr Rana and senior leaders of National Conference welcomed Mr Chuni and his supporters in the party fold and hoped their joining will further strengthen the party at grass roots level. They profusely garlanded the new entrants.
Those who joined along with Mr Chuni included Lalit Kumar, Kulvinder Singh, Roshan Malhotra, Sahil Bhagotra, …………………
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