Big setback for BJP in Marh Constituency former BDC Chairman with supporters joins Congress; Grateful to Marh for overwhelming support: Mula Ram

JAMMU, Sep 15: As the upcoming elections draw closer, internal dissension within the BJP continues to grow, with notable leaders leaving the party. On Sunday, the BJP faced a major blow in the Marh Constituency, as Madan Lal Bhagat, a senior BJP leader and former BDC (Block Development Council) Chairman from Phallian Mandal Block, formally joined Congress, along with several other prominent figures. Bhagat was accompanied by numerous sarpanches and panches from the Mandal Block, indicating a significant shift in local political dynamics.The event was held in Phallian Mandal, where Bhagat and his supporters were welcomed into the Congress fold by Mula Ram, former minister and vice-president of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee. The rally saw hundreds of BJP defectors, including key figures such as sarpanchs Nisha Devi, Ram Lal, Girdhari Lal, Khajura, Bishan Lal, Baru, Ramesh Chandra, and Mukesh Saini, officially embrace the Congress party. The event attracted a large turnout, with thousands of supporters present to witness the political transition.Mula Ram, the contesting Congress-National Conference Alliance candidate from Marh constituency, while addressing the gathering, expressed his deep gratitude to the people of Phallian Mandal and Marh Constituency for their overwhelming support. He emphasized his longstanding connection with the region, stating, “I have always been grateful to the people of Marh, who have stood by me throughout my political career.” He assured the public that Congress would continue to honor and respect all leaders, workers, and office bearers who joined the party.Mula Ram also used the occasion to take a swipe at the BJP, criticizing its governance and accusing it of divisive politics. According to him, the BJP’s failure to protect the rights of Dalits, backward classes, and working-class citizens was a primary reason for the growing exodus of party members. He noted that Congress, on the other hand, has always focused on uniting people and safeguarding the interests of all communities, which is why it remains the party of choice for those seeking fairness and equity.Mula Ram launched a scathing attack on the BJP. He accused the BJP of indulging in “politics of deceit and appearance” and neglecting crucial issues such as social justice and equitable development. “The BJP has failed to ensure reservation protections for Dalits and backward communities,” Mula Ram said. “It has abandoned the working class, and this is why so many are leaving the party.” He further added that the Congress party, with its commitment to the welfare of all communities, is the only political force capable of fostering true unity and development in the region, Bhagat said.Bhagat assured the people of Marh that, if elected, Mula Ram would bring about a new era of development in the constituency, promising to address longstanding issues and work towards a more inclusive future.The event was also marked by speeches from other notable leaders who joined Congress along with Bhagat, including sarpanchs Iksha Devi, Ram Lal, Girdhari Lal, and Baru, among others. Leaders such as Raghubir Singh, Saudagar Saini, Jeet Chaudhary, Rajinder Kumar Happy, Balkar Singh, Rattan Sharma, Pradeep Salaria, and Sunny Bhagat also addressed the gathering, echoing the sentiment that Congress was the only party capable of bringing progress and development to the region.