New Delhi

The nomination of Gulam Ali Khatana, a Gujjar leader hailing from Jammu to Rajya sabha, is part of the BJP's plan to woo social communities that have been empowered with rights after the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite being a scheduled tribe community, Khatana’s people had no political reservation in the erstwhile State.

President Draupadi Murmu had signed the order of his nomination to the Rajya Sabha on Saturday.

Khatana, an engineer who belongs to Jammu region and is a member of the BJP thanked the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for picking him for the Upper House of the Parliament.

Gujjars form the highest population of scheduled tribes in J&K and according to 2011 census their population is around 15 lakh.

Khatana said, “In BJP we don’t work for the position. I worked selflessly for the party and party saw my loyalty, and work. I want to thank PM Modi. It’s not my win but a win for the entire Jammu and Kashmir,” while speaking to his supporters and responding to congratulatory messages.

“PM Modi had said that when we will come to power, we will empower those who do not have political power. PM Modi did what he said. This is not just a victory for the Gujjar community but for all communities,” he added.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-clause (a) of clause (I) of article 80 of the Constitution of India, read with clause (3) of that article, the President is pleased to nominate Shri Gulam Ali to the Council of States to fill the vacancy caused due to the retirement of one of the nominated members,” a statement by the MHA read.

BJP's J&K chief Ravinder Raina has congralulated Khatana:

Heartiest Congratulations to BJP Leader Er Gulam Ali Khatana ji @GulamAl92456275 on being Nominated as Member Parliament, Rajya Sahib.We are Highly greatfull to Hon’ble PM Sh @narendramodi G,Sh @JPNadda Ji & Sh @AmitShah G for their blessings Upon dynamic Gujjar Leader form J&K. pic.twitter.com/dhoNu17Oiy

— Ravinder Raina (@ImRavinderRaina) September 10, 2022

Also Read: Article 370 going has ended apartheid

His nomination comes as a big blow to parties that used the community as vote banks and never provided them with their rights enshrined in the Constitution.

The delimitation commission that has submitted its recommendations for redrawing the boundaries of electoral constitutence in J&K wants has sought 9 seats reserved for the scheduled Tribes.