BJP Stands for Nation First, Self Last — A Family Driven by Patriotism: Tarun Chugh

Senior Congress leaders Kajal Rajput, Sunita Sharma, others along with hundreds of supporters from Bani-Basohli Region join BJP

Jammu, 19 June 2025: Former Congress Secretary, and former MLA candidate, Kajal Rajput, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) along with several senior Congress leaders and hundreds of supporters. The induction took place at the BJP headquarters in Trikuta Nagar, Jammu, in the presence of top party leadership.

BJP National General Secretary and Prabhari J&K BJP Tarun Chugh, J&K BJP President Sat Sharma, J&K BJP General Secretary (organization) Ashok Koul, General Secretary & MLA Ramgarh Dr Devinder Kumar Manyal, General Secretary Adv. Vibodh Gupta, DDC Chairperson Col Mahan Singh, MLA Basohli Th Darshan Singh, former MLA Jivan, DDC Narain Dutt Tripathi, DDC Neeru Rajput, DDC Rita Thakur, District President Gopal Krishan and others welcomed the new entrants on the occasion.

Among the prominent Congress leaders from Bani and Basohli who joined the BJP were Hans Raj (Block President), Des Raj (Retired Police Personnel), Shadi Lal, Ashok Kumar (Youth Congress), as well as leaders from Billawar like Sunita Sharma (Ex-Councillor), Jyoti Parkash, and others. District BJP President Gopal Krishan and other senior district-level leaders were also present at the event.

Welcoming the new members, Tarun Chugh emphasized BJP’s core principle of “Nation First, Party Second, and Self Last.” He said BJP is not just a political party but the world’s largest democratic family that has been consistently working towards national unity, integrity, and development over the last seven decades. Recalling the sacrifices of BJP workers during the Emergency and the challenging political environment in Jammu and Kashmir under previous regimes, he said, “We were not allowed to hoist the Tricolour or chant Vande Mataram even after independence. But we never stopped fighting for democracy.”

Chugh hailed the contributions of BJP in transforming the political culture of the region and called upon the new members to actively work towards fulfilling the party’s mission.

BJP State President Sat Sharma welcomed Kajal Rajput and other leaders, stating that the Congress had become synonymous with corruption and inaction. Recalling the 2008 Mumbai terror attack that killed over 160 people, he criticized the Congress-led government for its weak response. In contrast, he highlighted the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under whom Pakistan was compelled to backtrack on its terror agenda. Sharma encouraged people to join the BJP digitally and become part of the nationalist movement.

Ashok Koul said that the BJP is not just an election-winning machine; it is an ideological movement deeply rooted in the service of the nation. Each new activist, especially those joining from other parties after realizing the BJP’s clean and nationalist agenda, adds renewed energy to our mission of building a stronger society, he said.

Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal said that this joining is a testament to the growing trust of the people in the BJP’s vision and leadership. Kajal Rajput and other senior leaders coming from the Congress reflect a decisive shift towards development-oriented, corruption-free politics.

Adv. Vibodh Gupta said that the BJP under the dynamic leadership of PM Modi has become the true voice of the people, especially in remote and neglected areas like Bani and Basohli. He expressed confidence that his joining will further strengthen our organizational outreach.

Col Mahan Singh praised Kajal Rajput’s dedication to social service, especially her work for youth and women empowerment, and expressed confidence that her induction would strengthen the party at the grassroots level.

Th. Darshan Singh remarked that every new joining adds strength to the BJP, and said Kajal has taken the right step to serve the people more effectively.

District President Gopal Krishan added that the BJP’s increasing influence in the region is a sign that people are recognizing the party’s sincerity and nationalism.

In her address, Kajal Rajput expressed gratitude to the BJP leadership for their warm welcome and trust. She pledged to work tirelessly for the people of her region and uphold the values and discipline of the party. “I have always worked to raise local issues and will continue to do so more effectively under the BJP’s strong organizational structure,” she said. She also lauded the leadership of PM Modi and assured that she would dedicate herself to public service in accordance with the party’s ideology.

Prominent BJP leaders including Priya Sethi, Sanjita Dogra, Dr. Pardeep Mahotra, District General Secretaries Rajinder Jaswal and Thakur Dass were also present. The program proceedings were conducted by DDC Member Narain Dutt Tripathi.