Sunaina Mir
It has been after ten years since 2014 that people of state Jammu and Kashmir are celebrating the festival of democracy by casting their powerful votes in their polling booths. First phase of election is completed. Now we are Proceeding towards second phase of voting . During this election of Jammu and Kashmir, the one community which remains the topic of discussion not only in state politics but even in Central political corridors, is Pahari community. Pahari people, who reside in foot hills of Himalaya, recently honoured by BJP government by their inclusion in list of tribes getting ST reservation. This gift to Pahari people has connected pahari people to BJP party.
The areas which seems to no entry for BJP are now over crowded with BJP supporters. The slogans in support of BJP candidates can clearly be heard in mega rallies and roads shows conducted by BJP candidates. Out of 90 constituent assembly seats 9 seats are reserved for schedule tribes and these nine seats are appearing as game changer in formation of Govt. In state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Fulfillment of long pending demand of ST reservation of Pahari people has established BJP as trust worthy party. It has further increased the hope of people on BJP for further development of their region in particular and their state in general.
ST Reserved constituencies like Rajouri, Thannamandi, Budhal, Surankote, Mendhar, Kangan, Kokernag, Gurez, Gulabgarh are inhabited nearly 56? of Pahari people. If they were not given ST reservation, they would be deprived of contesting any election, in that situation large number of people would be out from their representation in state constituent assembly. After talking to Pahari people, I come to a conclusion, every Pahari is enthusiastic that it is only BJP which has enabled him to knock the door of every big university. Every Pahari is overwhelmed that it is only BJP which has enabled him to pass any exam like IAS, KAS. IFS, every Pahari talks that it is only BJP which has enabled him to get benifit of scholarship schemes of government of India, every Pahari is thankful that it is only because of ST status that we can also fill form of any exam with zero fees, every pahari is indebted to Honourable PM that it is only because of him , we can also own our house under ST quota and every Pahari is happy to get loan for business with lowest interest under ST quota
In short, Paharis are thankful to BJP for raising their standard of living.