Ex-J&K legislator joins BJP; says 'Will ensure hat-trick for PM Modi'

Former Jammu and Kashmir MLC Shahnaz Ganai joined the BJP on Monday, ahead of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. She was once linked with Farooq Abdullah's National Conference (NC).

Ganai joined the BJP at a ceremony attended by Tarun Chugh, the party's National General Secretary, Union Minister Jitendra Singh, and Zafar Islam, the BJP's national spokesperson.

Ganai stated that the BJP-led central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has done a lot of good for the people and that she is inspired by his idea of 'sabka saath, sabka vikas'.

She cited the recent landmark achievement of attaining long-awaited reservation for the Scheduled Tribes (ST) minority in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the BJP's commitment to fulfilling the needs and aspirations of the people of the Union Territory, India Today reported.

"We will work together to ensure a hat-trick (of win) for PM Modi," Ganai said, referring to the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

Ganai praised the growth in "new" Jammu and Kashmir, saying people wanted PM Modi and the BJP to have a stronger presence in the UT, India Today reported.

"PM Modi's presence has ensured that Pakistan does not dare to foment trouble in border areas and people there live peacefully, " she said.

Her father, Ghulam Ahmed Ganai, served as a minister in Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, the NC clarified that Ganai had not been a party member for many years. "Shenaz Ganai quit the JKNC in 2020 after she contested the DDC elections... She was not a JKNC leader," said JKNC leader Imran Nabi Dar.

Chugh welcomed Ganai to the BJP, saying she would be an addition to the party.

He expressed optimism about the party's future prospects in the region and hinted that more important figures from Jammu and Kashmir would join the BJP in the future.

Chugh underlined the BJP's commitment to expedite the electoral process in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasising the party's painstaking and complete preparations in all districts of the state.

"We cannot overlook the transformative and inclusive governance agenda spearheaded by PM Modi in Jammu and Kashmir. Under his leadership, we have witnessed significant strides in dismantling entrenched political dynasties, ushering in a new era of participatory and people-centric governance," he said.

"This is a testament to the BJP's commitment to fostering positive change and inclusivity in the region," he further said.