BJP deputes two young MPs for campaigning

Ravi S Singh

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 24

The BJP has deputed two of its young Rajya Sabha MPs, Surendra Nagar and Syed Zafar Islam for campaigning during the District Develoment Council (DDC) elections with an eye on the Muslim community, especially the Scheduled Tribe populations of the Gujjars and Bakarwals.

Both claimed that the BJP would spring a “big” surprise by making a dent in the UT’s electoral politics. While Nagar is the only Gujjar MP Rajya Sabha, Islam, a former banker, was inducted in the Upper House during the last session of Parliament.

In the backdrop of the reported pitch in the “saffron” camp for measures to empower the Gujjar-Bakarwal community following the abrogation of Article 370, Nagar had demanded welfare schemes, including official language status for “Gojri”. He also championed the cause for the reservation of (ST) Assembly seats in J&K for Gujjars and Bakarwals. Islam asserted that there was large-scale undercurrent support for the BJP in the Kashmir valley.

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

‘Saffron party will spring a big surprise’

Rajya Sabha MPs, Surendra Nagar and Syed Zafar Islam claimed that the BJP would spring a “big” surprise by making a dent in the UT’s electoral politics.