Retired cop’s entry into NC elevates ‘mood’ in party HQ

Setback for BJP as his family’s long association with party breaks ‘conviction’ pattern

Jammu: National Conference Headquarter Sher-i-Kashmir Bhawan looked abuzz with activity and in celebration mode after a long time on Tuesday with senior leaders and huge number of functionaries in attendance. It was a joining ceremony that made leaders feel elated for more than just one reason. To say a shot in the arm of party won’t be any exaggeration, even though it was a retired Police officer who made entry into the party.
Jeevan Sharma, a retired SSP is not the as simple as the background it looks in terms of advantage for NC. Jeevan Sharma happens to be brother of senior BJP leader Purnima Sharma who has remained on coveted posts of the party. Having a long association with BJP, she remained president of women’s wing and even rose to the post of Deputy Mayor of JMC, reflecting her conviction and devotion for the party and she apparently enjoyed a political clout in Jammu city. Not only Purnima, her mother is also said to be having long and dedicated association with the party, which goes back to the time of her active participation in Praja parishad agitation.
Pursuing different political ideologies by members of any family is neither a new nor any unexpected development in J&K. There are numerous instances to substantiate politicians following two political parties having risen to heights of career despite being in the same family. However, Retd police officer Jeevan Sharma’s joining NC has different connotations as well as ramifications for both BJP and NC.
BJP, as is widely known has quite an edge in comparison to other political parties in Jammu city areas because of various factors-the party having managed to build cadre and in East constituency over the years. Party worked hard over the decades to nurture this support base which helped it win many elections, including victory in JMC polls.
Nothing remains permanent in politics as they say is being seen now in its political strongholds where rivals have begun to penetrate in a subtle manner. Despite the family having allegiance with BJP for decades and one of the member being popular figure, Jeevan Sharma embracing a different platform has surprised many, if not shocked.
Observers watching this development see this as loss to BJP and gain for NC which did not have much ground in and around the areas in BJP’s comparison, though the party and a couple of its leaders have been relentlessly working to make a mark with electoral presence in Assembly. Now, what allured retired police officer to tread a different path is indeed intriguing development for the family. Many see it as a jolt for BJP as his association with NC will impact BJP’s popularity in the constituency and beyond. Will such pattern of joinings suggesting public disillusionment become a trend in coming days…? Time will reveal.

Updated On 7/25/2024 12:23:17 AM