Veteran Congress Leader Karan Singh
Veteran Congress leader Karan Singh's elder son Vikramaditya Singh today joined Jammu and Kashmir's main opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) at a function in Jammu in the presence of thousands of people.
PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and president of the party, Mehbooba Mufti formally inducted and welcomed Mr Singh into the party fold.
Mr Sayeed said that he was extremely delighted with Mr Singh's joining.
"It is not a routine joining function. Today's development is going to change political discourse of the state because this event would be a turning point in cementing relations between Jammu and Kashmir regions," Mr Sayeed observed.
Without naming any political party, Mr Sayeed alleged that few political leaders, both at the Centre and state level, have failed to remove the inter-regional trust deficit in Jammu and Kashmir.
"Instead of bridging the gap, some political parties, for petty gains, have further widened this divide," he said.
Mehbooba Mufti added that Mr Singh has to play an important role to address the aspirations of the people of Jammu region.
"You have to shoulder greater responsibility and you have to represent Jammu's wishes and aspirations," she said and assured the gathering that PDP will come up with an exclusive vision document for the overall growth of Jammu region.
Addressing the function, Mr Singh, who spoke in Dogri, said, "I joined PDP by conviction not compulsion. It will be my endeavour to strive for cause of the common people".
"Jammu and Kashmir is very close to my heart. I have been closely observing the politics and developing scenario in the state for many years. It grieves me to see how Jammu region has been systematically marginalised and sidelined over the years," he added.
Reaffirming his commitment to work for the upliftment of masses, he said, "I would like to see greater industrialisation in areas linked to the railheads like Kathua, Basholi, Billawar and Hiranagar," he said, adding that would like to see a new tourism development plan in the Jammu region for areas like Patnitop, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar and the Mugal Road.