Waris Fayaz
Baramulla, Oct 05 : 46-year-old Muhammad Anwar Khan was the only BJP leader from Kashmir who was present on the stage when Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed a massive public rally in north Kashmir’s Baramulla town on Wednesday.
To the surprise of everyone, Anwar Khan was the lone BJP leader from Kashmir who was present on the stage along with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
“It is really a matter of honour for me to be present there. I am thankful to Union Home Minister Amit Shah Ji and the party leadership for bestowing me with the honour,” Anwar told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
Khan played a crucial role in mobilizing the crowd for the rally in Baramulla and Wagoora-Kreeri assembly segments.
“I brought thousands of people from Kandi, Sheeri, Wagoora and other adjoining areas for the rally, “Khan said.
The presence of Khan on the stage was seen as a clear indication that the party would field him from Baramulla and won’t back any other politician from the segment.
Khan had survived two militant attacks in the past- one at his paramedical college and another at his Nowgam residence- after he joined BJP.
Khan, who is also a businessman, hails from Cherdari locality falling within the limits of the Baramulla municipal council.
“I come from a political family. My father served as a councillor of Baramulla Municipal Council,” he says, adding that he joined the BJP after 2014.
In the 2014 assembly polls, he filed nomination papers as an independent candidate, but his form was rejected on the grounds that he was a government employee. “Later I resigned from government service and joined BJP,” he said.
He said the crowd turnout in today’s rally was beyond their expectations.
“We were expecting participation of 25000- 30000 people but more than 40000 people turned at the venue,” he said.
Khan said that people of Kashmir have now realized that BJP is the only party, which can fulfil their expectations and make their lives better.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State and DDC chairperson were also present on the stage—(KNO)
