Veteran Leader Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali Joins BJP Ahead of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections

Former minister and veteran leader Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali joined BJP, citing commitment to peace and development. He praised PM Modi's efforts and critiqued emotional politics from the valley. Ali aims to enhance tourism in Rajouri-Poonch and integrate closely with Delhi for development. His move boosts BJP's local presence.

Jammu, Aug 17 (PTI) – In a significant political development ahead of the Assembly elections, former minister and veteran leader Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali joined the BJP, pledging his commitment to peace and development in the region.

The joining ceremony held at the BJP headquarters in Jammu, saw Union Ministers G Kishan Reddy and Jitendra Singh, along with BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh and Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina, welcoming Ali. They emphasized that his induction into the party would bolster BJP's grassroots presence in Jammu and Kashmir.

Ali, joined by numerous supporters and leaders, expressed admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's development efforts. "I have chosen BJP to steer our region towards progress, development, and prosperity," Ali stated. He condemned the emotional politics practised by valley leaders and underscored the need for initiatives to boost tourism in Rajouri-Poonch. Ali's recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah also focused on this agenda.

(With inputs from agencies.)