Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Nov 9: The BJP today received a major jolt as its sitting MLA from Bani, Master Lal Chand today declared to contest elections as Independent candidate from this hilly constituency of district Kathua.
The decision was taken after a marathon meeting of his supporters and members from his community (Thakurs), held at Bani town today. Over 2000 BJP workers, his supporters, Sarpanch and Panchs of the constituency attended the crucial meeting which lasted for about four hours. It was unanimously resolved in the meeting that sitting MLA who has been denied ticket to contest polls by the BJP leadership would contest as independent candidate from Bani constituency.
There was over whelming response from strong workers who pledged to garner support in favour of Master Lal Chand. A large number of workers and Sarpanchs took a resolve to conduct door to door campaign for Master Lal Chand and ensure his victory. They appealed the MLA to abandon BJP and contest against the official candidate. They reposed their confidence and faith in the leadership of MLA and assured every possible support to ensure his victory. It is pertinent to mention here that Master belonged to Thakur community and this community has the highest number of voters in Bani constituency, followed by Muslims, Gaddis and Sippis.
On the plea of the public and his supporters, Master Lal Chand declared to contest elections. He said that there were certain elements in Bani areas who were trying to disturb peace and communal harmony in the area. He asked the people to remain vigilant from such elements and defeat their designs.
Launching attack on the BJP leadership, the MLA said that those at the helm of affairs in the party have under estimated the strength and power of the people in Bani constituency. He alleged that even while taking decision regarding allotment of ticket to somebody else in Bani, the party leadership did not take him into confidence. There was the major issue which created hurt-burns among the cadre in Bani block. The MLA said that his rivals have no agenda and they are only harping on the hollow slogans. He said that in last six years, he ensured better development in this hilly constituency and would continue to thrive for the same.
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