Congress minister files nomination from Akhnoor, bats for Jammu Chief Minister

AKHNOOR (JAMMU): Seeking re-election from Akhnoor Assembly segment in Jammu district, Congress leader and state Minister Sham Lal Sharma today filed his nomination papers here, while asserting that the Chief Minister of the state should hail from the Jammu region.

Flanked by his brother two-time MP and former minister Madan Lal Sharma in a huge rally, Sham filed the papers for a third term as MLA.

Sham, who is Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control in the Omar Abduallh government, cited his "performance" and "development agenda" of 12 years to seek votes.

"With your blessings, we will win the elections again and serve you in the best way on the development front," Sharma said.

Addressing the gathering, he said, "My struggle for a Jammu Chief Minister will continue.

Sham said he is hopeful of his pledge, as incorporated in Congress election manifesto about Regional Development Council, becoming a reality as the next government in the state will be formed by Congress.

Accusing BJP leadership of being a confused political outfit, Sharma said the party will be rejected by the state as only Congress alone can maintain the secular traditions of the three regions.