Early Times REPORT
Jammu, July 26: Despite his meeting with Congress president Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi, Lok Sabha member Ladakh Haji Mohammad Haneefa Jan has maintained a distance from the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).
In his first speech in Lok Sabha, Haji Haneefa Jan focussed on issues related to Ladakh and avoided criticizing the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre.
While all constituents of the INDIA bloc seized the opportunity to criticize the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) regime during the debate on the budget, Haji Haneefa Jan focussed only on issues pertaining to Ladakh.
“First time I am elected from the Ladakh Lok Sabha seat, which is the largest constituency in India, as far as area is concerned. We are all aware of the strategic importance of Ladakh because the borders of China and Pakistan touch this area”, he said, “I am thankful to the people of Ladakh for electing me to this highest institution of democracy”. “Ladakhis are the peace-loving people. We are truly patriotic and we are always to sacrifice our lives for the country”, he said and informed the Lok Sabha about the demands of the people of L In his first speech in Lok Sabha, Haji Haneefa Jan focussed on issues related to Ladakh and avoided criticizing the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre.
I am thankful to the people of Ladakh for electing me to this highest institution of democracy.
Ladakhis are peace-loving people. We are truly patriotic and we are always to sacrifice our lives for the country.
I am hopeful and confident that talks with the Kargil Democratic Alliance, and Leh Apex Body will be resumed soon.
“I am hopeful and confident that these genuine issues will be thoroughly discussed, and talks and dialogues with the Kargil Democratic Alliance, Ladakh) and Leh Apex Body will be resumed soon and addressed with the necessary steps to fulfill them”, he said.
Important to mention here that within days after his election as Lok Sabha member from Ladakh, Jan on June 11 met with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi, signaling a potential alliance between the rebel National Conference leader and INDIA.
Before engaging with Congress leaders, Haji Haneefa Jan held discussions with National Conference Vice-President and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Sources indicate that it was upon Abdullah’s recommendation that Jan met with Kharge and Gandhi to address Ladakh-specific issues before the Congress leadership.
Speaking to the media, Jan emphasized the need for INDIA’s support in addressing key demands, including the implementation of the sixth schedule and statehood for Ladakh. Despite the National Conference’s directive to support the INDIA alliance candidate Tsering Namgyal for the Ladakh seat, the party leadership swiftly acknowledged Haji Haneefa Jan’s victory. | 