Massive voting in Udhampur suggested people voted for change: Vikar

Jammu, Apr 21: A day after BJP claimed that it was all set to win both seats of Jammu region, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Vikar Rasool Wani Sunday stated the massive voting in Udhampur parliamentary constituency suggested that the people “voted for change, in favour of Congress.”

Addressing a press conference, Vikar Rasool also targetted BJP for its decision to not to contest from Anantnag-Rajouri, Srinagar and Baramulla seats and alleged that it (decision) indicated the acceptance of its (BJP’s) failure to win public support in Kashmir.

“Contrary to their rhetoric of having a strong organisational base everywhere even in Kashmir, the BJP has failed to win public support; develop its base and cadre despite its all out efforts. In the absence of organisational structure, it cannot contest elections there and stands no chance against I.N.D.I.Alliance candidates. It (BJP) knew it and that explained its decision,” Vikar said, responding to a question related to J&K BJP president Ravinder Raina’s statement.

Raina had stated that the BJP was aiming at a crucial objective and larger cause hence it decided to support “patriotic parties” there in Kashmir instead of giving precedence to its own personal growth.

“Not to talk of Kashmir, it (BJP) would be taught a lesson by people in Jammu region also as the party deceived them and insulted their huge mandate by not fulfilling its promises,” Vikar said.

JKPCC president claimed that Congress would win not only in Udhampur but from Jammu parliamentary constituency as well. “I.N.D.I.Alliance (NC) candidates will score from all three seats of Kashmir also,” he said. He congratulated the electorates of Udhampur parliamentary constituency for enthusiastic participation in the elections despite inclement weather conditions, reflecting their “faith in democratic setup and a sign of change.”

“Education; healthcare; provision of modern infrastructure; uninterrupted power supply; provision of safe and pure drinking water; job creation for the unemployed; empowerment of the women and welfare schemes for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, disabled and all the socially neglected sections of the society form the top most agenda of the Congress party. The entire poll campaign of BJP is to cash on the personality of one person whereas Congress is approaching the voters with its history and achievements which brought the country and the state to the present state of development in almost every aspect of life,” he said.

JKPCC chief appealed to the electorates of district Jammu, Samba and Reasi to cast their valuable votes in favour of Congress party which guaranteed “restoration of statehood, Darbar Move practice; security of land and jobs; employment for locals; enhancing the salary of Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers; regularization of daily wagers, need based, ad hoc, contractual employees besides redressing problems of the people related to smart meters, water tariff etc.”

PCC vice president Vinod Sharma; general secretary (organisation) Narinder Gupta; general secretary Inayatullah Rathar; Pradesh Mahila Congress president Shameema Raina, media coordinator Neeraj Gupta besides others accompanied Vikar Rasool in the press conference.