In a strategic political development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has elected MLA Sunil Sharma as the Leader of the Legislature Party in Jammu and Kashmir, positioning him as the Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly. This significant decision was made during a meeting of BJP’s Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) on Friday morning at Church Lane, Srinagar.
The assembly, attended by senior party figures including Tarun Chugh, BJP’s Incharge for Jammu and Kashmir, and Ravinder Raina, the outgoing president of BJP’s J&K unit, solidified the party’s new leadership structure as it prepares to assert itself in the legislative body.
Sunil Sharma, a two-time MLA from the Kishtwar district and head of the BJP’s Kashmir unit, was elected as the consensus candidate to lead the opposition. Sharma’s selection followed the recent passing of MLA Devender Singh Rana from Nagrota, whose unexpected death on Thursday in a Faridabad hospital brought condolences from leaders across the political spectrum, recognizing his contributions to the region and the party.
As the Leader of the Opposition, Sharma will play a pivotal role in rallying the BJP’s efforts within the assembly and challenging the ruling government. His election is timely, coinciding with efforts to strengthen the BJP’s presence in the state amid evolving political dynamics in Jammu and Kashmir.
“I’m humbled and honored to be chosen as the Leader of Opposition in the J&K Legislative Assembly,” Sharma stated on social media, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President J.P. Nadda, and his colleagues for their confidence in him. “I’m committed to working tirelessly for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns addressed,” he added.
Alongside Sharma, Narinder Singh Raina has been appointed as the deputy leader of the opposition, providing additional support to the BJP’s legislative activities. The BJP has also announced Sat Sharma as the new president of its Jammu and Kashmir unit, succeeding Ravinder Raina, who has held the role since 2018. Raina will now transition to a position in the BJP’s National Executive.
This leadership transition takes place just ahead of the first assembly session in six years, set to commence on November 4. The assembly meeting, long anticipated since Jammu and Kashmir’s reorganization as a Union Territory, will open with remarks from Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, marking a new chapter in the region’s legislative history.
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Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times
