Banihal, August 22: In a significant political development, scores of workers and activists of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) joined the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) at a joining programme held in Banihal, further strengthening the party’s organisational presence across the Banihal-Gool constituency.
Welcoming the new entrants into the party fold, NC leader and MLA Banihal-Gool, Sajjad Shaheen, said the growing support for the National Conference reflects the people’s increasing faith in the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the party’s vision of development, dignity and inclusive governance.
Shaheen said that under Omar Abdullah’s leadership, Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a renewed focus on development, public infrastructure, essential services and equitable growth. He said the people are increasingly looking towards a politics that delivers tangible results rather than one based on promises and opportunism.
Referring to the Banihal-Gool constituency, Shaheen said several long-pending developmental issues are being addressed with renewed focus, particularly in remote and hilly areas. He said the Gool-Sangaldan belt has received attention in sectors including roads, power, healthcare, education, drinking water and other basic infrastructure.
He highlighted the augmentation of power infrastructure as one of the important ongoing interventions. The Sangaldan Receiving Station has been augmented from 3.15 MVA to 6.3 MVA, while augmentation of the Khari Receiving Station from 3.15 MVA to 6.3 MVA is in progress. He said these measures would significantly strengthen power supply and improve reliability for Gool-Sangaldan and adjoining areas.
Shaheen said efforts are also underway to improve road connectivity, particularly in remote and difficult terrain, besides strengthening healthcare and educational facilities. He said the government is committed to bridging developmental gaps in areas that have remained neglected for decades.
He further said initiatives aimed at promoting the tourism potential of the Banihal-Gool constituency, improving public amenities and creating livelihood opportunities are also being pursued, with special emphasis on remote and economically disadvantaged areas.
“The people are looking for development, stability and dignity. They have seen the politics of promises and opportunism. Today, they are increasingly choosing the National Conference because they see a leadership and a government focused on development and delivery on the ground,” Shaheen said.
Taking a dig at the PDP, Shaheen said the party had lost public credibility because of its past political decisions and failure to safeguard the interests, aspirations and dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said the continued movement of workers towards the National Conference reflects a changing political landscape in the Banihal-Gool constituency.
He said the growing strength of the NC was not merely an organisational development but also an indication of increasing public confidence in the party’s leadership, policies and grassroots approach.
Welcoming the new entrants, Shaheen assured them that their joining would further strengthen the party organisation at the grassroots and contribute to taking forward the National Conference’s agenda of development, public service and inclusive politics across the constituency.
Former DDC Chairperson Shamshada Shan, Block Presidents Jan Mohammad Chandail, Mohd Saultan Mughal, Mohd Afzal Giri, Mukhtiar Ahmed Bhat and Manzoor Ahmed Sheikh, besides other senior party functionaries and workers, were present on the occasion.
