Maharaja's grandson resigns from PDP

'Impossible for me to continue with party which disregarded demands and aspirations of Jammu region'

JAMMU: In a major embarrassment to ruling Peoples Democratic Party in state, its MLC from Jammu Province and scion of erstwhile ruling family of the state 'Yuvraj' Vikramaditya Singh, son of Congress MP and former Union Minister, Dr Karan Singh and elder brother of BJP MLC Ajatshatru Singh on Sunday resigned from the party and the Legislative Council saying that his views on issues concerning the state especially Jammu region were not in harmony with the party line.
Targeting PDP in particular, besides its coalition partner Bharatiya Janta Party, Singh said it was not possible for him to continue with the party which "disregarded the demands and aspirations of Jammu region", adding that he would also resign from the state Legislative Council.
Vikramaditya Singh first submitted his resignation letter to Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, who is also PDP president and then uploaded a copy of same on Twitter from his official account before addressing a press conference at Jammu to announce his resignation where he also sought "urgent intervention" of the Centre in addressing regional issues and claimed that the people of Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir regions were "not happy" with the present dispensation.
Former PDP leader in his letter to Mehbooba said that he has decided to resign from Legislative Council also on moral ground.
"I have sent my resignation to party president Mehbooba Mufti with a request to accept it immediately. I feel it is neither morally nor ethically right for me to continue as the member of the PDP and as an MLC," he told reporters here.
"I have also decided to resign from the Legislative Council where I was nominated to by the Governor. I shall write to the chairman of the Legislative Council requesting him to accept my resignation," Singh said.
Terming former CM and PDP patron, Late Mufti Sayeed a secular and visionary leader, Vikramaditya Singh said that the things altogether changed within PDP after Mufti's demise in January 2015.
He accused PDP president and other leaders for ignoring aspirations of Jammu and also said that the issues concerning Jammu were raised by him inside the Upper House or on party platform were categorically ignored by PDP.
He further added that he had joined PDP on the invitation from late Mufti Sayeed, Singh said that "on many occasions, I looked upon myself as PDP's face for all communities in Jammu region and worked to strengthen the party, always keeping in mind the secular fabric of our region".
"However, in the last few months, the views that I have expressed about my concerns for our state in general and Jammu region in particular, have not been in harmony with the party line," he added.
Maharaja hari Singh's elder grandson, Vikramaditya Singh said that the issues raised by him include illegal settlement of Rohingyas, inclusion of the period of Dogra rule and contributions made by those rulers in school books and the demand for public holiday on the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh.
He also alleged that attempts are being made to "wipe out" the over 100-years-old glorious history of Dogras.
"I twice wrote letters to PDP ministers Naeem Akhtar and Altaf Bukhari demanding inclusion of golden period of Dogra rulers in the school books. But they paid no heed," he said.
The PDP has rejected these issues that strongly reflected the sentiments of the people of Jammu region, he said, adding that "it is no longer possible for me to be part of a party that continues to be disregard the demands and aspirations of Jammu region.
"Who is happy (with the present dispensation) in Jammu and Kashmir... all the three regions are pulling in different directions Jammu is demanding complete integration, Ladakhis favour Union territory and Kashmiris are looking for a solution. They too are our own people.
"Where is the meeting point and the integrity of the state under the prevailing circumstances? Indian government should take urgent steps to address the issues," Singh said.
Advocating a solution where people of all the three regions of the state are happy, he said the government needs to address the aspirations of the people of the regions.
"Whether that means separation (of Jammu region), Union territory (for Ladakh) or a solution to Kashmir issue. The government need to reach out and address the issues or come out with any other formula," Singh said.
Singh thanked the civil society for their struggle for various issues concerning the people of Jammu, including the demand of public holiday on the Maharaja's birth anniversary.
"We have to continue this agitation till justice is done with Jammu. Till we get the due share, we have to carry on with our struggle, and everyone needs to support me on this," he said.
When asked about his next step, he added that first he will visit each and every corner of the state.
"I have already visited many parts of Kashmir and Ladakh, now I will visit Jammu Province and observe public's opinion.
It does not matter if I am an MLC or associated with any party. What is important is to remain in touch with the people," Singh said.
"I will take further step after this visit and then decide whether to float own political outfit or go with any national or local party," Singh added.
He also said that he has discussed his decision about resignation from PDP with his father Dr Karan Singh, who is also in Jammu these days and after taking his blessings on the same he decided to quit PDP.
Whether his brother, BJP MLC Ajatshatru Singh will also resign to come with him to lead the aspirations of Dogras, Vikramaditya said it is very interesting question, but he will decide on his own.