BJP Corporator Karloopia Deserts Party, Embraces NC in J&K

The National Conference today lambasted the BJP for the perpetual delay in holding elections to the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, terming it an undermining of democratic principles and rights of the people of the region.

Addressing a function in Jammu, National Conference Additional General Secretary Ajay Kumar Sadhotra criticized the Election Commission of India (ECI) for not announcing assembly elections in J&K simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls, as was done in four other states.

“The ECI cannot just play on both sides of the fence, as it could have asserted its constitutional obligations of holding polls in J&K where elections to the assembly were held a decade ago,” Sadhotra said, questioning why elections could be held for Lok Sabha but not the state assembly.

The National Conference leader accused the BJP of being anti-people and anti-J&K, claiming its actions have marginalized local interests and eroded democratic norms. The delay in assembly elections has fueled perceptions of disregard for democratic rights in J&K, he added.

Provincial President Rattan Lal Gupta also questioned the BJP’s commitment to inclusivity and democratic values, stating the delay demonstrates sheer disregard for public sentiments. Senior leaders welcomed former BJP corporator Satpal Karloopia into the party fold, with Karloopia exposing the BJP for bartering people’s interests. He cited lack of funds as a major obstacle for corporators to serve the people. The National Conference urged people to support the party, which it claims stands for holistic development of J&K with opportunities for all, irrespective of caste, creed, region or religion.