Former Member of Parliament and ex-minister Lal Singh was greeted with fervor as hundreds of supporters accorded him a rousing reception upon his return to Jammu after rejoining the Congress party. Singh, 65, rejoined the Congress at its Delhi headquarters on Wednesday, signaling a significant political shift in Jammu and Kashmir.
Accompanied by his wife and former legislator Kanta Andotra, alongside J-K Congress working president Raman Bhalla, Lal Singh was welcomed by enthusiastic party workers and leaders amidst drumbeats and a shower of flowers.
In his remarks to reporters upon arrival, Singh emphasized that his decision to rejoin the Congress reflects a broader change in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. Expressing confidence in the party’s prospects, he asserted that the Congress would secure victory in both the Jammu and Udhampur parliamentary seats.
Singh’s potential candidacy against BJP minister Jitendra Singh from the Udhampur constituency, slated for polling in the first phase on April 19, has drawn considerable attention.
Asserting his confidence in clinching victory from the Udhampur seat, Singh criticized the incumbent BJP minister, alleging a lack of substantive achievements despite holding parliamentary and ministerial positions.
Further lambasting the BJP, Singh highlighted prevalent issues such as escalating unemployment and a surge in crime levels, particularly decrying the rampant drug menace plaguing the region and its adverse impact on youth.
In a significant move, Lal Singh announced the merger of his outfit, Dogra Swabhiman Sangathan Party (DSSP), with the Congress, consolidating his return to the grand old party.
While Singh’s return to the Congress fold was welcomed by the party, it also sparked criticism from some quarters, notably former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who raised concerns over Singh’s past association with the Kathua rape accused.
Singh’s political trajectory has been marked by notable instances, including his resignation from the BJP and the subsequent formation of DSSP following controversies surrounding his participation in rallies supporting the Kathua rape accused. Despite past controversies, Singh maintains that his intentions were aimed at diffusing tensions.
Notably, Singh was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate last year in connection with a money laundering case related to an educational trust run by his wife. However, he was released on bail three weeks later, continuing his political journey with renewed vigor.