SRINAGAR, SEPT 23: The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) observed the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh in Srinagar, paying floral tributes to the former Dogra ruler and recalling his contributions to the region’s history and social development.
J&K BJP General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul, J&K Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, BJP Vice President Dr Shehnaz Ganie, MLAs and other senior party leaders paid floral tributes to Maharaja Hari Singh at the BJP headquarters in Jawahar Nagar.
Addressing the gathering, Ashok Koul said Maharaja Hari Singh would continue to be remembered for his determination and progressive approach to governance. He highlighted the ruler’s emphasis on policies aimed at the welfare of his subjects and referred to his oft-quoted statement, “Justice is my religion,” in the context of his approach to governance.
Koul said Maharaja Hari Singh’s legacy should be viewed beyond communal descriptions and recalled his role in administering a diverse population of Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr Darakhshan Andrabi highlighted Maharaja Hari Singh’s 1947 decision to accede the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir to India, describing it as a significant decision in the region’s history. She said the decision had shaped Jammu and Kashmir’s subsequent relationship with the Indian Union.
MLAs Ranbir Singh Pathania and Devyani Singh Rana also paid tributes, describing Maharaja Hari Singh as an important historical figure associated with social reforms and public welfare. They recalled initiatives concerning education, the upliftment of disadvantaged sections, religious rights and local self-governance.
The leaders said Maharaja Hari Singh’s birth anniversary provided an opportunity for the younger generation to understand Jammu and Kashmir’s history, heritage and the social reforms associated with his reign.
BJP State Secretaries Arif Raja and Mudasir Wani, State Spokespersons Altaf Thakur, Sahil Bashir and Manzoor Bhat, Media Incharge Adv. Sajid Yousuf Shah, Salinder Singh, Imtiyaz Bhat and other senior party leaders were present during the programme.
