Prominent socio-political figure, Dr. Shenaz Ganai, appeals PM Modi to contest Lok Sabha election from Kashmir
By Sajjad Bazaz / Press Trust of Kashmir
Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Earth Sciences & Member of Parliament from Arunachal Pradesh, in his post on the X (formerly known as Twitter) has today posted a short video clip of Jammu and Kashmir’s prominent socio-political figure, Dr. Shenaz Ganai, appealing the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to contest Lok Sabha election from Kashmir. Dr. Shenaz Ganai, ex. Member Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council Jammu/Srinagar, joined BJP on February 12, 2024, at party headquarters in New Delhi.
The statement of Dr. Shenaz comes after her written invitation to the Prime Minister last month to contest the Parliamentary election from the Anantnag – Rajouri Parliamentary Constituency.
https://x.com/KirenRijiju/status/1766384197738827935?t=zHuDD_z9Da-FBeNk1ArtUw&s=08
Shenaz while speaking to a reporter in the video clip, says: “Today we are having a festive mood as Lok Sabha elections are being held in the country. It is our esteemed appeal to the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi to contest the Lok Sabha elections 2024 from Kashmir. And I am sure the opposition party candidates will lose their security deposits if Modi ji contests elections from any constituency from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.”
Remarkably, ten years of Modi-rule witnessed monumental achievements and the transformative impact of innovative policies of the Prime Minister with public welfare at the core. During the past ten years, particularly since the historic abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir has undergone a remarkable transformation. The region has witnessed unprecedented development and prosperity. From infrastructure steadfast resolve and strategic approach has created an environment conducive to growth and prosperity in the region.”
She has also highlighted the initiatives like reservation status to Paharis, political reservation to Gujjars , in local bodies (urban & panchayats) and in state legislature, inclusion of many castes in OBC’s, political reservation of women in parliament and state and UT legislature and local bodies (Urban & Panchayats) in her communication to the Prime Minister. Highlighting the women empowerment in J&K she says “a host of historical welfare schemes and policies exclusively for women folk in the last one decade are proving game changer on socio-economic front for them. As a woman, I understand how women empowerment initiatives embedded in your developmental strategy has infused confidence in women folk of this region.”
Pertinently, the initiatives such as Digi-Pay, Krishi Sakhi and Pashu Sakhi besides several other programs of women empowerment like Hausla, Tejaswini, UMEED, Rise Together are supplementing the efforts further in empowering women and making them a key partner in the development journey of the J&K region. Another, SWADHAR Greh, one of the Government schemes for women’s empowerment in India, to provide shelter, food, clothing, social, economic and health security is worth mentioning. Besides, enhanced access to quality and free education for the girl child, free career and employment counselling can go a long way in boosting her self-confidence, as well as helping her regain her self-sufficiency that had been undermined by years-long turmoil.
In this backdrop, Dr. Shenaz urges the Prime Minister to consider contesting the upcoming elections from the Anantnag – Rajouri Parliamentary Constituency. “Your candidature in this crucial constituency would not only symbolize your commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir but would also provide them with a strong voice and representation at the highest level of governance,” says Shenaz.
She ends the letter by saying: “Sir, the most important thing is that you would be the first Prime Minister of Independent India to contest Parliamentary election from J&K. At the same time, such a move will also send a strong message across the global geographies that J&K is most progressing region as an ATOOT ANG (Integral Part) of BHARAT.”
(Sajjad Bazaz is Chief Editor, PressTrust of Kashmir)
