In a landmark announcement, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has unveiled the construction of the Paddar-Zanskar road, a major infrastructure project poised to bolster strategic border infrastructure and rejuvenate cultural, tourism, and economic links between the regions of Zanskar, Paddar, and Pangi.

Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, the former Member of Parliament from Ladakh, has expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the people of Ladakh, particularly those from Zanskar, Paddar, and Pangi Valley, for the pivotal announcement made by Shah. The proposed road, which has been long awaited, is set to be a transformative development for the region.

Namgyal highlighted that the Paddar-Zanskar road is more than just a connectivity project; it is a lifeline that will bridge Ladakh and the Paddar region, extending further into Pangi Valley in Himachal Pradesh. “This road will not only enhance local connectivity but will also play a crucial role in strengthening national security along India’s borders with China and Pakistan. These regions have witnessed several conflicts over the years, including wars in 1948, 1962, 1965, 1971, and 1999, as well as the Galwan skirmish in 2020,” Namgyal stated. He emphasized that the road will revitalize cultural and historical ties, unlocking significant tourism potential and economic growth for Ladakh, Paddar, and Pangi.

Namgyal had previously championed the cause for this road during a Parliament session on December 21, 2022, proposing two potential routes for its construction: a 45 km route via Kishtwar-Atholi-Machail-Soomchan-Zongkhul and an 80 km route via Kishtwar-Atholi-Machail-Dangail-Pot La-Bardan/Haftal, which would directly connect Ladakh with Jammu.

Once completed, the road will serve as the shortest link between the Northern Command and the Pathankot Airforce and Military Station, reducing the distance by approximately 150 km. Historically, this route holds strategic importance as it was utilized by the renowned Dogra General Zorawar Singh during his campaigns in Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Tibet in the 1830s. The road will also offer a safer and more secure passage through the Paddar Sub-Division, circumventing areas prone to anti-national activities.

As part of the broader development plan, Namgyal also noted the recent sanctioning of a 31 km road from Block Headquarters Paddar to Lossani Machail Paddar under PMGSY Phase 1 and Phase 2, with an allocated budget of Rs 46.42 crore. Additionally, the proposed construction of an 8 km tunnel from Lossani to Dangail via Dharlong Nallah and Chamo Chohar will further enhance connectivity, establishing a direct link between Paddar and Zanskar.

“This project is of paramount importance not only for national security but also for the socio-economic upliftment of the region. Enhanced connectivity will stimulate tourism, invigorate local economies, and foster a deeper sense of unity among the people of Paddar, Pangi, and Ladakh. We extend our sincere gratitude to Home Minister Amit Shah and the Modi Government for their unwavering commitment to the progress and security of our region,” Namgyal concluded.

Ram Madhav, the BJP’s election in-charge for Jammu and Kashmir, asserted today that the party aims to form the government on its own following the upcoming Assembly elections. Madhav, who was campaigning for the BJP’s candidates in Pulwama, South Kashmir, stated that the party would only consider alliances with like-minded individuals if necessary.

During his visit to Pulwama, where the BJP is contesting two of the four Assembly constituencies—Rajpora and Pampore—Madhav introduced the party’s candidates: Arshid Ahmad Bhat for Rajpora and Showkat Ahmad Gayoor for Pampore. Addressing the media, he emphasized the BJP’s commitment to making Jammu and Kashmir terrorism-free and eradicating family-based politics.

“If the BJP falls short of a majority, only those who align with our agenda of making the Valley terrorism-free, promoting development, and enhancing tourism will be part of the Government,” Madhav declared. He reaffirmed the party’s intention to prioritize its core objectives and maintain a clear focus on its development agenda.

Madhav also took aim at the Congress Party, accusing it of aligning with the National Conference (NC) and advocating for the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, as well as the release of prisoners. “Congress has no presence here and is not releasing its manifesto because they are adopting the NC’s agenda,” he alleged.

In his speech, Madhav criticized the three dominant political families—the PDP, NC, and Congress—for their long-standing control over the region, which he claimed has fueled fundamentalism and radicalism. He urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to stay vigilant against these influences.

Highlighting a shift in public sentiment, Madhav pointed to the support received by BJP candidate Javeed Qadri in Shopian as evidence of the party’s growing acceptance in the Valley. “There was a time when people said the BJP would not be accepted here, but today the situation is different,” he remarked, expressing confidence in the party’s prospects in the forthcoming elections.

Former Union Minister Anurag Thakur today launched a scathing critique of the dynastic politics in Jammu and Kashmir, attributing the region’s prolonged isolation from the national mainstream to the influence of three prominent families. Addressing a series of election rallies in Kishtwar, Nanak Nagar, Bishnah, and Nai Basti, Thakur condemned the historical political leadership for denying the people of J&K the constitutional rights enjoyed by citizens in other parts of India.

“The people here were deprived of the Constitutional rights that were available to citizens in other parts of India,” Thakur declared. He criticized the dynastic rule of the Abdullahs, Muftis, and Gandhis, alleging that their governance perpetuated a state of disconnection and deprivation.

Thakur emphasized the transformative impact of August 5, 2019, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi abrogated Article 370, a move he described as pivotal in altering the fate of Jammu and Kashmir. “On August 5, 2019, Prime Minister Modi abrogated Article 370, changing the fate of the deprived sections of Jammu and Kashmir,” Thakur asserted. He claimed that this decision ended the period of isolation and opened new avenues for development and integration.

According to Thakur, the removal of Article 370 was a significant step toward eliminating the barriers to progress and addressing the grievances of the region’s people. “When the BJP came to power in 2014, it took decisive steps to eliminate the biggest curse imposed by Congress in the form of Article 370. Finally, on August 5, 2019, this curse was eradicated forever,” he said.

Thakur criticized Article 370 for stifling development, reservation, and basic facilities, while instead fostering separatism, terrorism, and unrest. “Article 370 blocked development, reservation, and basic facilities, but instead, it fostered separatism, terrorism, and stone pelting,” he explained.

The former Union Minister accused the Abdullahs, Muftis, and Gandhis of failing to provide essential services despite their long tenure in power. He highlighted the plight of the Valmiki community, who were brought to J&K for sanitation work but were denied educational and reservation opportunities. Thakur also noted the neglect of the Gujjar-Bakarwal community, which received no reservation in the Assembly, and the denial of voting rights to refugees from West Pakistan.

Thakur announced that significant investments are being made in J&K, with Rs 25,000 crores already invested and an additional Rs 75,000 crores planned. He also discussed various government schemes, including the Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to improve water supply across the region.

In conclusion, Thakur urged voters to support the BJP to continue the development process and prevent the resurgence of separatism, terrorism, and unrest. “Vote for the BJP in large numbers to continue the development process and prevent the resurgence of separatism, terrorism, and stone-pelting. Our goal is to make Jammu and Kashmir a developed State,” Thakur stated.

National Conference (NC) President and former Member of Parliament Dr. Farooq Abdullah today launched a vehement attack on Engineer Abdul Rashid Sheikh, alleging that Rashid is a “creation” of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Speaking at a public rally in the Safapora area of Bandipora district, Abdullah condemned the recent alliance between the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), describing it as a maneuver to “divide” and “loot” the people of Kashmir.

Abdullah questioned the timing of Rashid’s release from detention, suggesting it was part of a broader strategy by the BJP to disrupt the NC. “He is the creation of the BJP. If not, then why was he released for just 20 days? If they were going to release him, why not earlier? This has been orchestrated to hurt us,” Abdullah asserted.

The NC leader further accused the JeI-AIP alliance of being an attempt to manipulate and exploit the people of Kashmir for political gain. “The alliance is aimed at dividing the people and preying on our mothers and sisters. It’s all about division and looting,” he said.

Addressing a core issue in the ongoing electoral campaigns, Abdullah reaffirmed his commitment to the restoration of Article 370. “Everyone is prepared to sacrifice for the restoration of Article 370. We won’t fight with guns or stones, but we will go to the Supreme Court again,” he declared. Abdullah emphasized that previous rulings had affirmed the permanent nature of Article 370 and vowed to persist in legal battles until its restoration.

Delving into the historical context, Abdullah recounted the origins of Article 370, tracing back to Maharaja Hari Singh’s 1927 laws designed to protect local land and job rights, which eventually evolved into Article 370 and 35-A. “He was concerned about these issues and enacted laws to ensure protection, which eventually became Article 370 and 35-A,” Abdullah explained.

The NC President also warned of ongoing schemes against his party, characterizing them as part of a broader plot by political adversaries. “These are offshoots of the ‘flower’ party; their sole aim is to plot against the plough,” he remarked.

Further criticizing the Prime Minister, Abdullah alleged that Muslims in India were facing systemic “excesses” and condemned the Prime Minister’s rhetoric as divisive. “PM even accused Muslims of taking over properties. Let me tell him, Muslims are not beggars. The Prophet taught us to treat everyone equally and with love,” he stated.

Recalling a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi just before the abrogation of Article 370, Abdullah expressed his concerns about the heavy military deployment in Jammu and Kashmir. He recounted Modi’s dismissal of his concerns and the subsequent removal of Article 370 and 35-A on August 5, which transformed the state into a Union Territory.

Abdullah argued that the BJP’s actions were driven by an inherent disdain for Jammu and Kashmir’s Muslim-majority status. “He did this because J&K is a Muslim-majority State, and he hates Muslims. Ask those seeking votes in his name if they want to sell out our mothers and sisters. This election isn’t about roads—it’s about our identity,” Abdullah concluded.

JAMMU: With the Assembly elections for eight seats in the Doda region fast approaching, the final hours of campaigning are underway. The region, set to vote in the first phase on September 18, is witnessing intense last-minute efforts from candidates to sway voters.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been notably proactive in its campaign, with several senior leaders making high-profile visits. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally in Doda yesterday, supporting all eight BJP candidates. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to address three rallies in the region tomorrow, covering Paddar-Nagseni, Kishtwar, and Ramban.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has already conducted two rallies in Ramban and Banihal. Additional campaigning support from Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Dr. Jitendra Singh, who represents Doda in the Lok Sabha, and BJP general secretary Tarun Chugh has also been significant. Former Union Minister and Himachal Pradesh MP Anurag Thakur has also been active in rallying for BJP candidates.

In contrast, the Congress campaign has been relatively subdued. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi addressed a single rally in Gool, part of the Banihal Assembly segment. No other senior Congress leaders have visited the Doda region.

The National Conference (NC) has seen limited involvement from its leadership. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has campaigned in the region, but party president Dr. Farooq Abdullah has not visited any of the eight constituencies. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has also been absent from the campaign trail in Doda despite fielding candidates.

Polling Schedule and Candidate Overview

Campaigning for the eight Doda seats will conclude tomorrow evening, although candidates can still engage in door-to-door canvassing. Polling is scheduled for September 18, with results for all 90 seats in the Union Territory to be counted on October 4.

The eight constituencies in focus are Kishtwar, Paddar-Nagseni, and Inderwal in Kishtwar district; Doda, Doda West, and Bhaderwah in Doda district; and Ramban and Banihal in Ramban district.

Historical Context and Current Contestants

In the 2014 elections, the BJP secured four out of six Assembly seats in the Doda region, with victories in Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, Doda, and Ramban. The Congress won Banihal and Inderwal, while the NC and PDP did not win any seats.

For the upcoming elections, the following notable candidates are in the fray:

• Kishtwar: Sajjad Kitchloo (NC), Shagun Parihar (BJP), and Firdous Tak (PDP).
• Paddar-Nagseni: A direct contest is anticipated between Sunil Sharma (BJP) and Pooja Thakur (NC), with Sandesh Kumar (PDP) also in the mix. Rakesh Goswami, a BJP rebel, is also running.
• Inderwal: Ghulam Mohammad Saroori is running as an Independent after being denied the DPAP mandate. His opponents include Sheikh Zafarullah (Congress), Tariq Hussain Keen (BJP), Nasir Ahmed Sheikh (PDP), and Pyare Lal Sharma (NC rebel).
• Bhaderwah: The contest features 2014 BJP MLA Daleep Singh Parihar, Nadeem Sharief (Congress), Sheikh Mehboob Iqbal (NC), Vikram Rathore (Jammu Kashmir Apni Party), and Meenakshi Bhagat (BSP).
• Doda West: Shakti Raj Parihar (BJP) faces competition from Pardeep Kumar (Congress), Tanveer Hussain (PDP), and Abdul Ghani (DPAP).
• Doda: The race includes Khalid Najib Suhrawardhy (NC), Abdul Mujeed Wani (DPAP), Gajay Singh Rana (BJP), Riaz Ahmed (Congress), and PDP candidates.
• Ramban: The main contenders are Rakesh Singh Thakur (BJP), Arjun Singh Raju (NC), and Suraj Singh Parihar, an Independent BJP rebel.
• Banihal: Vikar Rasool Wani (Congress), Sajjad Shaheen (NC), Mohammad Saleem Bhat (BJP), and Imtiyaz Shan (PDP) are the prominent candidates.

With the end of official campaigning in sight, all eyes are now on the voters of Doda as they prepare to make their choices in the upcoming elections.