As the new government in Jammu Kashmir prepares to take office, BJP leader Choudhary Zulfikar Ali, who recently lost the Assembly elections in Budhal-Darhal, has stirred controversy by advocating for a separate Union Territory (UT) status for Rajouri-Poonch, similar to Ladakh.
His remarks come just a day before the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Minister-designate Omar Abdullah and his cabinet.
Addressing party workers in the Budhal-Darhal constituency, Ali criticized the National Conference (NC) and Congress, accusing them of neglecting Rajouri-Poonch despite securing votes from the region for the past 70 years.
“This time, they have won seven seats from Rajouri-Poonch, but the region will face the same discrimination as before. We need a separate UT status, just like Ladakh,” he stated.
Ali urged the people of Rajouri-Poonch to mobilize and fight for UT status, following the example of Ladakh.
“Today, we are laying the foundation for this demand. We will not tolerate further discrimination against our region,” he emphasized.
Ali, who joined the BJP before the recent elections, lost his seat to NC candidate Javaid Choudhary.
Despite the BJP’s overall success in securing 29 seats in the Jammu region, his call for UT status has not received official backing from the party.
BJP General Secretary (Organization) Ashok Koul clarified, “This is not the party’s official position. Our focus remains on unity and development, as per Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sab ka Saath, Sab Ka Vikas.’ We will review the leader’s statement.”