BJP welcomes social activist from Baramulla into party fold

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday welcomed businessman and social activist Fayaz Ahmad Dar into its ranks during a joining ceremony in Srinagar. Senior BJP leader and J&K UT General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul presided over the event, describing Dar as a symbol of growing public faith in the party’s vision. Ashok Koul, addressing the gathering, emphasized the steady stream of new entrants into the BJP, stating, “We come, people want to join BJP.” He particularly lauded Fayaz Ahmad Dar for his contributions as a social activist, especially his extensive work during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Dar was credited with significant efforts in supporting affected communities, including initiatives in sensitive slum areas during the prolonged lockdowns that lasted around four months. Koul, who was flanked by BJP Media Incharge Kashmir Sajad Yousuf Shah, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for “saving the nation” through timely interventions, including the provision of vaccines (referred to in the context as “vacancies” or vaccine doses) to citizens in phased intervals and the installation of oxygen plants across the country to combat the crisis. “PM saved nation… Vacince saved the people of India. Slum areas - lockdown - 4 months were sensitive - many people were ill - oxygen plants were installed,” Koul noted, positioning these achievements as key reasons for public support shifting towards the BJP. He hailed Dar’s decision as emblematic of broader trends: “He joined BJP, he is symbol. We congratulate, it will run BJP.” Extending a warm welcome, Koul declared, “If Fayaz sahab come one step, we will take four step,” and encouraged others to join by dialing the party’s toll-free number Koul said opposition parties including Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), currently in opposition, was urged to fulfill its role constructively. Criticism was also directed at the National Conference-led government for allegedly outsourcing around 24,000 government jobs without transparent recruitment processes like advertisements, exams, or interviews. BJP leaders and opposition voices, including LoP Sunil Sharma, have accused the NC of betraying the youth by handing these positions to private companies, contradicting promises of one lakh jobs made during elections. Minister Sakina Itoo has countered such claims, stating that outsourcing models originated under previous PDP administrations and that the current NC government cannot be solely blamed.