BJP deputes two MPs for J&K’s DDC elections

Ravi S Singh
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, November 24

The BJP has set its eyes especially on the Muslim community including the Scheduled Tribe (ST) population of Gujjars and Bakarwals in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to make a mark in the District Development Council (DDC) elections.

Two of its Rajya Sabha MPs, Surendra Nagar and Syed Zafar Islam, among its younger brigade, have been deputed for the election campaign.

While Nagar is the only Gujjar MP in Rajya Sabha, Islam- a former banker and young face from the minority community-was inducted in the Upper House during last session of Parliament. 

In the backdrop of reported pitch in the Saffron camp for measures to empower the Gujjar-Bakarwal community following abrogation of Article 370, Nagar had demanded welfare schemes, including official language status for "Gojri".

He also championed the cause for reservation of (ST) assembly seats in J& K for Gujjars and Bakarwals.

Besides, he espoused the case for instituting a "Gujjar Scout", which would open employment opportunity in Defence sector for tribal youth who are well conversant with the mountainous terrain of J&K.

Nagar, who is in the thick of election campaign for DDC elections, said on Tuesday that the Gujjars and Bakarwals are showing inclination towards the BJP.

"The vision of Forest Act being implemented retrospectively from March 1, 2020, and reservation of about assembly 10-12 seats in ST category has encouraged the tribals towards the BJP."

He further said that large number government appointed school teachers for teaching children of tribals, who are nomadic, were given salary for six months during Article 370 dispensation.

 "Now they will be disbursed salaries every month of the year which signals the true intent of the present administration towards Gujjars and Bakarwals," Nagar said.

Islam asserted that there is large scale undercurrent support for the BJP in Kashmir Valley.

"The BJP supporters including Muslims and tribals will prove to be silent voters. They identify their progress and development with BJP. They are inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Islam said.

The Gujjar-Bakarwal tribes are spread over largely in Srinagar, Anantnag, Kulgam, Baramulla, Pulwama, Ganderbal, Shopian, Bandipora, especially on the higher reaches in the valley.

With regard the Jammu region, they span across areas including Reasi, Jammu, Rajouri, Poonch, Sambha, Kathua and Udhampur.