NC, PDP ‘unknown beyond Lakhanpur’: Sunil Sharma

Baramulla, Jul 30: Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, on Wednesday asserted the growing presence of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kashmir, saying it is the result of years of sacrifice by its workers, “unlike” the National Conference (NC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which have “failed” to grow beyond the valley.
Addressing the workers in Baramulla, LoP Sharma, acknowledged the unwavering commitment and courage of BJP workers in the Kashmir Valley, calling them the true torchbearers of the party’s mission in one of the most challenging political environments in the country.
“Being a BJP worker in the valley is itself a challenge. While party programmes can be organised with ease in places like Jammu, Reasi or Udhampur, doing the same in Baramulla, Shopian, Pulwama or Kupwara requires unmatched resolve. Workers here step out of their homes with their ‘sar par kafan’ (shroud on their head), ready to face any situation”, he said.
Sharma hailed the grassroots strength of the party in Kashmir, saying that the BJP’s presence in the region is recognised across the country, even at the topmost levels of leadership. “Whether it’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah or BJP President JP Nadda, all of them know the ground realities our workers face in Kashmir. It is not easy to represent BJP here, and yet our cadre continues to stand firm,” he said.
Reflecting on the past, he recalled the days when BJP workers in the valley faced deep social isolation and threats. “There was a time when party supporters here were boycotted by their own families. Despite that, they continued to serve. Today we see people attending BJP events, a sign of growing acceptance, but we must never forget the struggles behind it,” he said.
LoP Sharma reassured workers that their sacrifices will not go in vain. “You’ve suffered, you’ve stood firm, and the time will come when your commitment will bear fruit,” he said.
Taking a swipe at regional parties like the National Conference (NC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the BJP leader said these parties are confined in reach and recognition. “There is no comparison. Beyond Lakhanpur, nobody even recognises these parties. But the BJP is known and respected across the length and breadth of the country,” he asserted.
He urged the cadre not to lose morale, pointing to the recent appointment of senior BJP leader Kavinder Gupta as the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh. “We must be proud of being part of a party that gives space and recognition to its grassroots leaders. Let’s keep working with hope and strength,” he told party workers. (KNO)