Governments at Centre took Jammu region for granted: Sham Lal Sharma

AKHNOOR: Jammu and Kashmir Congress leader Sham Lal Sharma today alleged that Jammu region in the state has always been taken for granted by successive Central governments on the pretext of Kashmir's predominated political dimensions.

"Jammu is alone the bridge between the state and India which has always been denied and discriminated by the Kashmiri predominated political dimensions," Sharma, who is on campaign trial seeking re-election from Akhnoor seat, told election rallies here.

He said Jammu has been taken for granted by successive Central governments in all respects and despite divergent voices in Kashmir Valley, they paid special attention to it.

Sharma said "Congress' stand on Jammu's future crystallised with assurance of Regional Development council enjoying all the constitutional guarantees and functions."

He said "brisk polling in the first phase of Assembly elections has shown the popular enthusiasm of people who wanted strong stable and functional state government".

He maintained that Congress has a clear vision towards popular expectations and aspirations contrary to other political parties who failed to present even their agenda.

Sharma said despite coalition with non-performing Kashmir- centric party, Congress in government has fought and got administrative units for Jammu region too. He sought votes from electors citing the welfare works done by him as the representative of Akhnoor constituency.