KL News Network
SRINAGAR
Leaders from Congress and NC paid rich tributes to former minister and congressman Girdhari Lal Dogra on his death anniversary.
Dogra (July 17, 1915 – November 27, 1987), a resident of a Kathua village and a lawyer by profession, was a Congressman who represented Jammu and Udhampur in Lok Sabha. He was J&K’s finance minister for 26 years. His daughter Sangeeta is wife of Arun Jaitely, India’s incumbent finance minister.
Terming Dogra “a legendary politician”, Dr Farooq Abdullah said he worked tirelessly for upliftment of poor.
“Dogra has left an indelible mark of public service and he continues to be remembered as a towering leader for his tremendous connect with the masses”, Abdullah said. “As a true democrat, he had earned a niche for himself and endeared so much among the people that he never lost any election. His reach out to the people had been exemplary.”
NC’s Provincial President Devender Singh Rana said history will always remember him as a dedicated, self-less and public spirited leader, who envisioned Jammu and Kashmir as a peaceful abode for all, irrespective of their regional or religious affiliations. Farooq Abdullah and others paid floral tributes to the legendary leader in presence of his younger daughter, Nidhi Dogra.
Congress had organized an event to commemorate Dogra at Canal Road, Jammu. Most of the speakers at the event talked more about Prime Minister Modi, against his politics and governance, than Dogra, the party statement indicates.
PCC Chief G A Mir in his address said the presence of representatives of all communities under the umbrella of Congress makes it a distinct party having a secular approach and outlook as its policies are based on mutual co-existence of all, equal opportunities for all, irrespective of caste, creed, colour or religion.
Referring to the current crises on account of hardships due to demonetization without adequate arrangements, Mir said that Congress and entire opposition is duty bound to highlight the miseries and hardships resulting into numerous deaths. He referred to the death of the eight years son of a Bakerwal in Mansar area of Samba due to non-availability of money and questioned who and how he can be compensated for his loss. He said that Congress party would fight against the communal, divisive forces and anti-poor policies of the Modi.
Sham Lal Sharma referred to the role of Congress towards minorities in the country and said that party has always given place and regard to the rights to the different sections and asked the minorities to come forward to strengthen Congress. He also paid rich tributes to G L Dogra and recalled his services.
