Jammu, Oct 3: Congress, NC, PDP, NPPI announced on Saturday to jointly hold “Save Democracy” march in Jammu on Oct 7th, besides holding a similar march in different districts between 4th to 8th Oct to expose Vote Chori by BJP, seeking removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.

Addressing a joint press conference here at PCC HQ Rajiv Bhawan Shahedi Chowk, Jammu, senior leaders of Congress, NC and PDP, as per a statement issued, announced the holding of a protest march in Jammu on Oct 7 as part of the first phase of the nationwide campaign of the INDIA Block to save democracy, launched on Oct 2nd, Gandhi Jyanti.

Earlier a meeting of senior leaders of INDIA alliance parties, including Working President JKPCC Raman Bhalla, former minister Mula Ram, Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, Provincial President JKNC Ratan Lal Gupta, ex-MLC Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Ram Paul Sharma, Rajinder Singh Manhas and Sat Pal Charak of PDP and Gagan Pratap Singh of NPPI, was held at PCC HQ Shaeedi Chowk, Jammu, to discuss the schedule of protests in different districts as per the decision taken in the meeting of the INDIA Block in Delhi on September 30th. The meeting lasted for two hours, followed by a press conference.

Senior leaders of the INDIA alliance announced that the like-minded opposition parties have decided to jointly fight against “Vote Chori”, carried out by the ruling BJP through the manipulations in the electoral system under CEC Gyanesh Kumar, and seek his removal, besides other illegalities and theft of the right to vote.

They said that democracy is under threat in the country, as exposed by the consistent efforts of LOP Rahul Gandhi and the entire opposition and vindicated by the media expose recently. Over 13.30 Cr voters have been deleted through an illegal and arbitrary SIR exercise, depriving the genuine and eligible people from their precious right to vote.

It has been established beyond doubt and people are largely convinced that BJP government is involved in large scale vote Chori and hijacking of elections system and democracy in the country.

Seeking removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and streamlining of the entire electoral system and the Independence and fairness of elections and impartial ECI, the parties have come together to fight for the cause of ” Vote Bachao- Desh Bachao” campaign.

Opposition MPs will march to Election Commission Office in Delhi on Oct 6th, followed by seeking an appointment with President of India besides holding five mega rallies in different parts of country, they disclosed.

Jammu, Oct 03: Leaders of the INDIA bloc parties on Saturday announced a joint ‘Save Democracy’ rally in Jammu on October 7, seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.

Addressing a joint press conference at the Congress headquarters here, senior leaders of the Congress, National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said protest marches would also be held in different districts between October 4 and 8.

The leaders, including Pradesh Congress Committee working president Raman Bhalla, Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, NC provincial president Ratan Lal Gupta, PDP General Secretary Rajinder Singh Manhas and National Panthers Party India leader Gagan Pratap Singh, said the protests would highlight the BJP’s “vote chori” and raise concerns over the electoral process.

Earlier, a meeting of senior leaders of the INDIA bloc parties discussed the schedule of protests in different districts, in accordance with the decision taken at the INDIA bloc meeting in Delhi on September 30.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, the leaders said democracy was under threat in the country, as highlighted by the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and the entire opposition and “supported” by a recent media report.

“Over 13.30 crore voters have been deleted through an illegal and arbitrary SIR exercise, depriving the genuine and eligible people of their precious right to vote.

“It has been established beyond doubt, and people are largely convinced that the BJP government is involved in large-scale vote chori and hijacking of the election system and democracy in the country,” the PCC working president said.

Seeking the removal of the CEC, streamlining of the entire electoral system and restoration of independence and fairness of elections, the leaders said they have come together to fight for the cause of the “Vote Bachao-Desh Bachao” campaign.

They also reiterated the demand for the early restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and said the people are highly resentful over the delay in granting statehood by the BJP-led central government.

Jammu, Oct 03: Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, Tejinder Singh, on Saturday visited Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua and reviewed the overall law and order and security situation in the border district, a police spokesman said.

Accompanied by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range Shridhar Patil, the Jammu police chief chaired a meeting with senior police officers and supervisory staff immediately after reaching Kathua district headquarters, the spokesman said.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Kathua, Mohita Sharma, briefed the IGP on the prevailing policing, crime and security scenario and measures being undertaken to strengthen the security grid.

The IGP stressed effective policing, stringent action against drug smugglers and peddlers, close monitoring of criminal elements and improved police-public relations, the spokesman said.

He said Singh also directed the officers to remain alert, particularly in view of the prevailing security environment and upcoming festivals, and to further strengthen field-level policing and coordination.

Jammu, Oct 03: BJP National General Secretary (Organization) B L Santhosh on Saturday said organizational responsibilities may change with time, but the basic duties, values and commitment of a dedicated activist always remain unchanged.

He said the organisation’s aim is bigger than any individual and every worker must continuously strengthen his capabilities while working to strengthen the party.

Santhosh was addressing a ‘Samman Samaroh’ organized at the BJP headquarters here to honour Tarun Chugh for his nearly six years of service as J&K BJP Prabhari (incharge) and Ashok Koul for his 14 years of dedicated service as J&K BJP General Secretary (Organization).

Chugh is now National Office Prabhari, Rajya Sabha MP and Gujarat Prabhari, while Koul has returned to the core organization RSS.

Union minister Jitendra Singh, J&K BJP president Sat Sharma and other senior party leaders also attended the programme. The programme followed a party meeting on organizational matters and important issues related to public service in J&K.

Congratulating Chugh, Santhosh said every person, while discharging organizational responsibilities, gradually develops his personality, experience and ability to guide others.

He praised Koul’s long service as a senior RSS Pracharak and J&K BJP’s Sangathan Mantri, saying his transfer to the parent organization reflects the larger organizational purpose.

“Responsibilities may change, but the basic duties do not,” he said.

Santhosh urged activists to strengthen the party while simultaneously developing themselves, without becoming attached to individuals or positions.

J&K BJP president also thanked Chugh and Koul for their dedicated service, saying their contribution strengthened the BJP in whole of J&K.

In his address, Chugh said J&K has witnessed consistent struggles for nationalist and social causes, with BJP activists making sacrifices during difficult periods.

He said Modi government has placed J&K on the path of development and described Koul as a core organization man who strengthened BJP’s base in Jammu and expanded its presence across constituencies in Kashmir.

He called for continued efforts, saying much work remains despite the achievements.