Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javaid Rana, MLA Tanvir Sadiq leads campaigning; issues coordination order for Nagrota By-Election
WAJAHAT SHABIR
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) has intensified its election campaign across multiple constituencies, with a strong focus on the ongoing Budgam by-elections and preparations for the Nagrota Assembly by-poll.
Senior leaders, ministers, and party functionaries have been leading extensive ground-level activities aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots connect and countering rival narratives.
In Budgam, the party’s campaign entered a decisive phase as senior leaders Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi, Dr. Muhammad Shafi, Farooq Ahmad Shah, Syed Muhammad Yousuf, and G.N. Bhat reached out to people across several areas of the constituency, receiving an overwhelming response from the public. The leaders cautioned people against falling prey to the opportunistic politics of the PDP and the BJP, whose 2015 alliance, they said, “opened the gates of betrayal” and “laid the groundwork for the disempowerment and political subjugation that culminated in 2019.”
They reminded voters how that “unholy alliance” dismantled Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and autonomy, altering the region’s political course. The leaders urged people to remain vigilant against those attempting to “wear new masks to mislead voters once again,” asserting that Budgam has always stood for dignity, discernment, and truth — values the National Conference continues to uphold.
“The ongoing campaign is not just about winning an election,” the leaders said, “but about restoring the people’s faith in representative politics and sending a resounding message of resistance against deceit and divisive agendas.”
The campaign events witnessed enthusiastic participation from local leaders, party workers, and supporters who pledged to strengthen the National Conference and carry forward its mission of dignity, empowerment, and truth.
Earlier, in a parallel effort, ministers Sakina Itoo and Javaid Raina, along with MLA Tanvir Sadiq, also led intensive outreach drives in Budgam, holding meetings, addressing gatherings, and interacting with youth and women. Their coordinated campaign has significantly energized the party cadre and built momentum ahead of polling day.
Meanwhile, in the Jammu region, the National Conference has issued a formal coordination order for the Nagrota by-election. As per the directive issued by Provincial President Rattan Lal Gupta under the guidance of Dr. Farooq Abdullah, senior functionaries have been deputed to campaign for Mrs. Shamim Begum, the party’s candidate for the 77-Nagrota Assembly Constituency.
For Nagrota and Dansal Blocks, the campaign will be led by MP Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, MLAs Ajaz Jan, Bashir Ahmad Veeri, and Javid Iqbal, along with former ministers Abdul Gani Malik and Chaman Lal Bhagat.
For Bhalwal and Mathwar Blocks, the assigned team includes Ajay Kumar Sadhotra (Additional General Secretary), MLAs Arjun Singh Raju and Khurshid Ahmad, former minister Khalid Najeeb Suhrawardy, and Babu Rampal.
The order further directs all Provincial, Zonal, and District Heads and party wings to work in close coordination to ensure effective campaigning and mobilization. The move reflects the party’s strategic planning and unified approach as it seeks to consolidate its position across Jammu and Kashmir.
With dual campaign fronts in Budgam and Nagrota, the National Conference has signaled a renewed organizational vigor, positioning itself as the principal force of regional identity, accountability, and people’s empowerment under the leadership of Dr. Farooq Abdullah.
