The lone MLA of Jammu State Morcha (JSM), Ashwani Sharma, today joined BJP at a public meeting at Bishnah, 45 kms from here.
Sharma, a two-time MLA from the Bishnah constituency, said, "BJP stands for good governance, eradication of poverty and corruption, and development. It is the main reason which has inspired me to be part of this party and the people of my constituency also wanted it."
Sharma was welcomed to the BJP fold by party's state unit president and MP Jugal Kishore Sharma, J&K state in-charge and MP Avinash Rai Khanna and its Legislative Party leader Ashok Khajuria.
The BJP state president said Sharma's entry into the party would send a strong and clear message to all patriotic segments of the state, and that it reaffirms BJP's commitment to justice to all and discrimination to none.
The political path chosen by Sharma by being in JSM was on account of his desire to see that discrimination against Jammu is brought to an end. However, he is now convinced that BJP is a better and more effective organisation in bringing to an end discrimination not only against Jammu region but all other such neglected regions of the state, and has therefore decided to be part of BJP, he said.
BJP MP Khanna said the time has come for the rank and file of the BJP state unit to envision the party's future role in the state, being destined to be in the governing role. He said the party's target to win at least 44 seats in the upcoming Assembly polls was achievable.
Khanna said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision has inspired and galvanised the entire country and the party workers must not bring laxity in their political work and should convince the masses to vote for BJP in the forthcoming assembly elections.
