BJP’s development agenda transforming J&K: Satish Poonia

Jammu, Oct 14: BJP National General Secretary, J&K Prabhari and Rajya Sabha MP Dr Satish Poonia on Wednesday called upon party leaders to strengthen public outreach and take the BJP’s development agenda to every section of society, saying the changing political atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir presents an opportunity for the party to expand its presence.
Addressing a meeting of BJP office-bearers and senior leaders at the party headquarters in Trikuta Nagar, Jammu, Poonia said Jammu and Kashmir holds a special place in the country’s national consciousness and reiterated the BJP’s commitment to national integration, development and public service.
BJP J&K President and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, Leader of Opposition in the J&K Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma, Rajya Sabha MP Er Ghulam Ali Khatana, former Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh and former J&K BJP president Ravinder Raina also addressed the meeting.
Party office-bearers, district in-charges, district presidents, spokespersons, Morcha presidents and other senior leaders attended the meeting.
Recalling the contribution of Dr Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, Poonia said his supreme sacrifice in Jammu and Kashmir remains a defining chapter in the BJP’s commitment to the complete integration of the region with the rest of the country.
He said former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee laid the foundation for accelerated development by expanding road connectivity and extending infrastructure to remote areas, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken forward this vision on a much larger scale.
Describing the BJP as a party driven by a clear ideological commitment, Poonia said its strength lies in public service, trust and inclusive development. He also recalled his association with Jammu and Kashmir, including his participation in the Doda Bachao Andolan and movements linked to Lal Chowk in Srinagar.
In his presidential address, Sat Sharma welcomed Poonia as the new J&K Prabhari and recalled his earlier association with the region through activities of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
Sharma also reviewed the month-long Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, organised to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25-year journey in public service, including his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister and his subsequent years as Prime Minister.
He highlighted initiatives such as Aashirvaad Ka Diya, Seva Ke Rang, Seva Setu Abhiyan, Mere Sapno Ka Bharat and Seva Jyoti Yatra, saying the campaign had reached a large number of party booths across Jammu and Kashmir.
Sharma said the BJP was taking the achievements of the Modi government to the people while countering what he described as misleading propaganda by the INDIA bloc. He urged party leaders to strengthen their ideological understanding and communicate the BJP’s vision more effectively.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh described Jammu and Kashmir as a strategically important and politically sensitive region, where organisational responsibilities require experienced leadership.
He said the socio-political atmosphere, particularly in Kashmir, had undergone a significant change and urged party workers to recognise the emerging opportunities.
“People are ready to embrace the BJP, and we must be prepared to seize this opportunity,” he said, emphasising the need for a stronger organisational presence and greater public engagement.
Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma highlighted the BJP’s expanding organisational reach and claimed that public support for the party was growing. Referring to the BJP’s protest held in Kashmir on September 2, 2026, he said the participation reflected changing public sentiment and alleged that people were increasingly turning away from the politics of the National Conference and Congress.
Former Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh expressed confidence that Poonia’s organisational experience would further strengthen the party in Jammu and Kashmir.
Er Ghulam Ali Khatana said political developments in Jammu and Kashmir attract national attention and called upon party workers to consolidate public trust through development-oriented politics.
Former J&K BJP president Ravinder Raina also recalled Poonia’s earlier organisational contributions and his role in important party assignments.
BJP General Secretary Gopal Mahajan conducted the proceedings, while General Secretary Sanjita Dogra presented the vote of thanks. (KINS)