![JKNPP chairman Harsh Dev Singh and president Balwant Mankotia addressing a press conference at Jammu on Friday. JKNPP chairman Harsh Dev Singh and president Balwant Mankotia addressing a press conference at Jammu on Friday.](https://cdndailyexcelsior.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/page5-419.jpg)
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 22: Advising MLCs Ajat Shatru and Vikramaditya to resign from their respective political parties as a mark of protest against the BJP-PDP’s contemptuous denial of holiday on September 23, Harsh Dev Singh, JKNPP chairman and former Minister today said that it would be the greatest tribute to the legendary ruler whose gigantic contributions for the State and nation transcend the barriers of time and place and yet unacknowledged by the opportunist ruling alliance.
While addressing a press conference, here today Harsh Dev Singh said that non declaration of holiday and criminal silence of the BJP Ministers had fully exposed the ruling alliance which had defied the popular sentiment under pressure from separatists and forces inimical to the nation. He emphasized that the holiday was being denied at the behest of secessionist forces who had all along opposed the integration of the State with the Union of India besides questioning the legality and authenticity of the Instrument of Accession.
He said that with BJP-PDP ostensibly endorsing the separatist agenda, the two MLC grandsons of the late ruler must prove themselves worthy of the legacy of the Maharaja of J&K State and quit their positions and posts under the ruling regime. “Wisdom lies in daring” said Harsh while appealing the two MLCs to respect the public sentiment, to uphold the values and principles cherished by the late Maharaja and quit the highly corrupted political parties. “If the holiday could be announced for 13th July, It is highly obnoxious to deny the same on the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh, the tallest of India rulers,” said Singh.
Urging upon the civil society, the social and political organizations of Jammu to join hands to oppose, expose and to finally depose the unethical opportunist alliance, Singh said that Dogras would no longer accept the humiliation and subjugation at the hands of corrupt, power hungry politicians.
JKNPP president Balwant Singh Mankotia, who also addressed the press conference, urged the people to celebrate 23rd September with all fervour and gaiety of a festival. He also appealed to the private as well as Government employees to observe this day as a holiday and hold celebrations with all vigour and zeal as a mark of respect to the beloved Maharaja.