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| First Sikh MLA elected in J&K Assembly after 37 years | | |  Early Times Report
Jammu, Oct 12: The election of BJP candidate Dr. Narendra Singh from the RS Pura-Jammu South Assembly segment is a historic event as the first Sikh elected to the J&K assembly a gap of 37 years.
Interestingly last time two Sikh MLAs were elected from Gandhi Nagar and RS Pura assembly segments was in 1987, this time both the constituencies have been submerged and renamed as RS Pura-Jammu South assembly segment.
This historic win is seen not only as a personal triumph for Dr. Singh but also as a significant moment for the Sikh community, which had been awaiting representation in the state’s legislative body for nearly four decades.
Dr. Narendra Singh, a refugee from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), secured his victory after a hard-fought electoral battle against Congress stalwart and former minister Raman Bhalla. The contest in the RS Pura-Jammu South constituency, which had been closely watched, turned into one of the most competitive races in the election, with Singh managing to pull off a decisive win.
His victory is seen as a major boost for the BJP, which has been working to strengthen its foothold in Jammu, traditionally a stronghold of the party.
This win holds immense significance, particularly for the Sikh community in Jammu and Kashmir. The last time a Sikh MLA was elected in the state was during the 1987 Assembly elections, when two prominent Sikh leaders, Sardar Rangil Singh as Congress candidate and H.S. Bali, as Independent candidate secured victories. Sardar Rangil Singh was elected from the RS Pura seat, while H.S. Bali won from the Gandhi Nagar assembly segment. Since then, despite several attempts by Sikh candidates to secure a place in the Assembly, the community had remained unrepresented for 37 long years.
Dr. Narendra Singh’s victory has, therefore, reignited hopes within the Sikh community, which had felt politically sidelined in recent years. His success has brought Sikh political representation back to the forefront and is being celebrated as a watershed moment for the community, which has made significant contributions to the socio-economic and cultural fabric of the region. This long-awaited return of a Sikh representative to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly is expected to give a stronger voice to the community’s concerns and aspirations.
National secretary of the BJP, Dr. Narendra Singh’s background adds another layer of significance to his electoral win. A refugee from Pakistan-occupied Jamm The last time a Sikh MLA was elected in the state was during the 1987 Assembly elections. Since then, despite several attempts by Sikh candidates to secure a place in the Assembly, the community had remained unrepresented for 37 long years.
As a representative of this refugee community, Dr. Singh’s election resonates deeply with those who share a similar history. His political journey reflects the broader narrative of the region’s displaced populations, many of whom have long felt marginalized in Jammu and Kashmir’s political sphere. Dr. Singh’s election to the Assembly is a reminder of the important role that refugees and displaced persons play in the political, social, and cultural fabric of the region.
Dr. Narendra Singh’s victory comes at a critical juncture in Jammu and Kashmir’s political evolution. The 2024 Assembly elections were held under heightened attention, as the region continues to adapt to its new political realities following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The peaceful conduct of these elections has been seen as a positive step towards strengthening democracy in the region, and Dr. Singh’s win is a reflection of the changing dynamics in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape.
Singh’s victory not only strengthens the BJP’s position in Jammu, but it also symbolizes the growing inclusivity within the region’s political system. His election as the first Sikh MLA in nearly four decades sends a strong message about the importance of diverse representation in the legislative process. It is expected that Dr. Singh will champion the interests of the Sikh community, PoJK refugees, and other marginalized groups in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring their concerns are addressed at the state level.
Dr. Singh’s victory did not come easy. His opponent, Raman Bhalla, is a seasoned politician and former minister from the Congress party with a long history of electoral success. Bhalla, a political heavyweight in Jammu, had served as a cabinet minister in previous state governments and had a strong base of support in the region. The contest between Bhalla and Singh was viewed as one of the most significant electoral battles in this year’s elections.
Despite the tough competition, Dr. Singh managed to defeat Bhalla, underscoring the strength of his campaign and the resonance of his message among voters. |
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