Face to Face with Ex-MLC and Senior BJP Leader Pardeep Sharma

Face to Face with Ex-MLC and Senior BJP Leader Pardeep Sharma

“Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji and Home Minister Amit Shah Ji are making huge efforts to make Bharat a global power. Within the eleven-year tenure of PM Modi ji, Bharat has progressed immensely. But enemies of Bharat cannot digest this, and that’s why all-out efforts have been going on for so long to destabilize our nation. PM Modi Ji has given a strong reply through Operation Sindoor to those who scripted the Pahalgam terrorist attack by killing twenty-six tourists by asking their names and religion. LG Manoj Sinha Sahib has done a lot for J&K UT. The J&K BJP Under the leadership of our president, Sat Sharma Ji, General Secretary Ashok Koul Ji, LOP Sunil Sharma Ji, and other big leaders, doing everything to address the concerns of the people of J&K,” said ex-MLC and senior BJP leader Pardeep Sharma while sharing his views with SALIL RAINA, owner and editor of the “POONCH TODAY” newspaper.” 

SALIL RAINA: The first question that I would like to ask you is about Operation Sindoor. How do you rate the successful conduct of Operation Sindoor, which was launched by the union government, led from the front by PM Narendra Modi, against the terror camps in Pakistan to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack?

PARDEEP SHARMA: First of all, I thank you, Raina Sahib, for giving me this opportunity to express my views in the “POONCH TODAY” newspaper, which has established itself as a credible, bold, and nationalist voice in the entire Poonch-Rajouri region for over a decade. It’s a privilege for me to be here. Let me start answering your questions. Bharat has become the fourth largest economy in the world, and very soon, we will become the third one. Bharat is on the path of development in every area under the able leadership of our PM Narendra Modi Ji and Home Minister Amit Shah Ji. After independence to 2007, Bharat remained a one trillion economy, and in 2014, we were a two trillion economy. In 2021, we reached 3 trillion, and now, we have touched 4 trillion economies. Within the eleven-year tenure of Modi ji, Bharat has progressed immensely. But enemies of Bharat cannot digest this, and that’s why all-out efforts have been going on for so long to destabilize our nation. The Pahalgam terrorist attack, in which twenty-six tourists were killed by the terrorists by asking their names and religion, was one such effort by our enemy against us. But PM Modi Ji has given a strong reply through Operation Sindoor to those who scripted this attack. Our forces made the country proud. It’s a new India under the leadership of Modi Ji, and every Bharatwasi is feeling proud of that. Our mighty forces have demolished the terror infrastructure in Pakistan, but unfortunately, Pakistan targeted our civilians, and it was an inhumane act. Operation Sindoor is just a beginning, and the whole world is surprised by this act of Bharat. We are not going to tolerate terrorism anymore, as our PM has categorically said that any act of terror will be considered an act of war. Bharat will crush terrorism and its supporters in a hard way under the leadership of PM Modi Ji and Amit Shah Ji.

SALIL RAINA: After the highly successful Operation Sindoor, in which our forces successfully targeted the terror camps inside Pakistani territory, Pakistan attacked the city of Poonch, and you appeared suddenly at most of the places and were seen helping the people. How did this happen all of a sudden, and what prompted you to come openly to help the people when there was a huge risk of being targeted from the shelling?

PARDEEP SHARMA: When our forces attacked the terror camps in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan, in utter frustration, started targeting the city of Poonch. I went to my rooftop and saw some shells land in Mohalla Khorinar, and splinters reached near my residence. When the shelling started around 2:30 am in the morning after Bharat attacked the terror camps, I came online and appealed to the people not to panic and take shelter inside their houses. Later, Pakistan started heavy shelling near Kamsar and at different places in the city. My family members were worried, but I told my family that this is the time we should stand for our people without caring for our lives. I started visiting different areas of the city and rescued many injured people. A few dead bodies and some injured were evacuated by me along with some police personnel and my family members. A number of shells landed near the Forest Department and cremation ground, in which many people received huge injuries. Without caring for my life, I rushed there and brought the injured persons and a dead body to Poonch Hospital. Moulana Qari Sahib lost his life in my hands. Moreover, two siblings were also brought to the hospital by me, and they shockingly died there. During the shelling, I went to the Krishna Ghati area and saved the lives of many injured people. From KG, I rang DC Poonch and brought to his notice the state of affairs in the area, and immediately, DC gave directions to his administration to provide whatever the people of Krishna Ghati demanded. I also saw police officers visiting different areas of the city to help the injured persons. I believe it was God who provided me with the courage and guided my efforts to assist people during the crisis. For days, I could not sleep because those terrible moments of seeing people die and receiving huge injuries continued to haunt me. The death of a number of persons, including three kids, Zain Ali, Urwa Fatima, and Vihan Kumar, was a terrible moment for all. As a result, I was upset for days.

SALIL RAINA: As per the media reports, you were seen visiting various places to save innocent lives. A video went viral where you were seen picking up a kid who was badly injured. Later a religious teacher died in your hands. Likewise, you also helped various injured people amid heavy shelling. From where did you get the inner power to go out and help the people?

PARDEEP SHARMA: During the shelling, local media was very active, and I think they took my photos and circulated them on social media. That is why my photos and videos came out in national and international media. I was unaware of everything because I was focused on contacting every affected family during the crisis. I think only God gave me inner strength and took my services. I am nothing. It was God’s plan to take my help for the innocent people.

SALIL RAINA: After your pictures and videos went viral, you were appreciated by some national leaders and MPs like Asaduddin Qwaisi and Shashi Tharoor in addition to the appreciation from your senior party leaders. How do you view this massive development in your favor?

PARDEEP SHARMA: Raina Sahib, getting words of appreciation from big leaders like Shashi Tharoor and Owaisi Sahab, who are not comfortable with the ideology of BJP, was really a big moment for me. Some social workers who always stood against the BJP also appreciated my work. I guess it was God’s blessing and nothing else. During the 2005 earthquake, the 2014 flood, the 2020-21 Corona wave, and the recent shelling crisis, I did a lot for the people. During corona, I collected nearly three crores and deposited Rs 65 lacs in the PM Care Fund and arranged langar for three months for the people with that money. During the 2014 flood also, I did a lot for the people. Now, during this toughest period in the history of Poonch city, I stood strongly with the people. I also distributed essential kitchen items and financial assistance among the deserving people who suffered a lot during the shelling. As I was busy in public service, some big national leaders appreciated my work, and it was just a blessing from God.

SALIL RAINA: Your critics say that while visiting different places during and after shelling, you had managed to have a camera with you, and you were only looking for a political limelight and nothing else. How do you react to such critics of yours?

PARDEEP SHARMA: Opposition is necessary for rising high. Whatever my critics say, I don’t bother. Where were they when I was in the field during shelling? I saw death with my own eyes, and the majority of my critics were at Jammu. So, I just believe in working for the people, as BJP and Sangh Parivar have taught me to stand for the nation always in any circumstances.

SALIL RAINA: There were huge reports against the district administration as people alleged that during shelling, nobody was here and people were only at the mercy of God. There was no proper coordination between the civil administration and the security forces, and there were no signs of essential services on the ground as well. Despite massive anger against the administration, you were seen showering flowers on the officers of the administration. What are your views on this aspect?

PARDEEP SHARMA: No, I don’t agree on this. I personally saw DC Poonch, SSP Poonch, ASP, Dy.SP HQRS, SHO Poonch, ACR Poonch, and Tehsildar visiting here and there to address the concerns of the people. I visited the DC office and honored the administration for its positive role during the shelling. So, I guess these reports against the administration are baseless.

SALIL RAINA: Raja Sukhdev Singh Hospital has many shortcomings from a war point of view. Had Pakistani shells landed on the hospital, it would have resulted in massive destruction, as hundreds of people were present inside the premises of the hospital for treatment. How do you see the poor condition of the hospital from a war point of view?

PARDEEP SHARMA: Yes, I agree with you. The hospital should have an underground operation theater and ICU. Thank God no shell landed inside the premises of the hospital, as a number of shells landed near the hospital, resulting in massive destruction of lives and properties. I strongly want a medical college in the Poonch district. There should be a number of bullet-proof ambulances.   Our district is highly sensitive from a war point of view, and the government should make a solid plan to strengthen health care infrastructure on the ground. Nobody wants to be referred to other hospitals in the absence of proper infrastructure. During the shelling, I even saw safaiwalas doing duties to help the injured persons inside the emergency block. Our hospital needs the immediate attention of the union government, and work on a war footing is needed to strengthen the health care infrastructure in the entire district.

SALIL RAINA: After the Pakistani shelling in which fourteen people, including some children, lost their lives, many VIPs visited Poonch to take stock of the situation on the ground. Although the Home Minister distributed the appointment orders to the members of the affected families, still people across the length and breadth of the society say that the financial assistance announced for the damaged houses and affected persons is very low. What are your views on this?

PARDEEP SHARMA: For the very first time, any union government has done this. Providing government jobs to the members of the affected families without considering their educational qualifications and age criteria is a historic initiative of the government, and I am thankful to PM Modi Ji and Home Minister Amit Shah Ji for this kind gesture. Amit Shah ji has also announced additional compensation of Rs 25 crore for 2,060 homes damaged by Pakistani shelling in border areas of J&K. I hope a special package for Poonch will also be announced soon. Earlier, PM Modi Ji also announced Rs 2 lacs for full damage in addition to SDRF ex gratia. I personally request them to consider the genuine demands of the affected families and also give jobs to the injured persons. Damaged properties need urgent attention from the government as the monsoon season is about to start. I also appeal to the people not to fall for the tactics of any leader regarding ex gratia relief, as the government will distribute the same at the people’s doorsteps.

SALIL RAINA: Some people on social media said that Home Minister Amit Shah visited Gurudwara Sahib and Gita Bhawan temple and not Madrassa or Masjid. How do you react to such issues?

PARDEEP SHARMA: It’s a baseless issue. The Home Minister personally visited the house of a Muslim family near the cremation ground and inquired about the unfortunate episode. These allegations come from people with a limited mindset. For the BJP government, the trust and care of 140 crore Indians are important, as our Prime Minister Modi Ji used to say this repeatedly. For the BJP government at the center, people from every section of the society are equal.

SALIL RAINA: How do you weigh the concern shown by Home Minister Amit Shah, LG Manoj Sinha, and LOP Sunil Sharma for the people of Poonch?

PARDEEP SHARMA: LG Manoj Sinha, sir, during his visit to Poonch with Home Minister Amit Shah ji, personally appreciated my work in the presence of Dr. Shenaz Ganai and Chisti Sahib. LG sir said, “Dear Pardeep. I am proud of you. You did a lot by helping the people during the Pakistani shelling. I am really happy.” Reacting to LG Sinha Sahib, Dr. Shenaz Ganai said, “LG Sahib, you appreciated Pardeep Ji, and it’s an honor for the Poonch people.” Let me tell you frankly, Raina sahib, the concern shown by Home Minister Amit Shah Ji, LG Manoj Sinha Ji, and LOP Sunil Sharma sahib for the people of Poonch was unparalleled. I am sure, very soon, the Home Minister will announce a big package for Poonch, as the same was also projected strongly by LG Manoj Sinha Sahib and our LOP Sunil Sharma Ji. Our party president, Sat Sharma Ji, and Ashok Koul Ji also showed their huge concern for the people of Poonch.

SALIL RAINA: Another sensitive question, which I feel you should answer, as this is still a huge public concern. Why did the prime minister not mention anything about the supreme sacrifice of Poonch people in his twenty-two-minute speech, which he gave after Operation Sindoor?

PARDEEP SHARMA: I differ with you on this. In his speech, Modi ji indirectly mentioned everything about Poonch when he said that Pakistan targeted our civilians and religious structures of Mandir, Masjid, and Gurudwara. Only Poonch was targeted by Pakistan in a maximum way. Poonch was the epicenter of the Pakistan shelling. So the concern of our prime minister was totally for Poonch and every place in the country that witnessed drone attacks from Pakistan. Poonch lives in the heart of Modi ji, and nobody should have any doubt about that. After inaugurating the Vande Bharat train from Katra to Srinagar a week ago, Modi ji also appreciated the people of Poonch for their bravery and acknowledged the sacrifice made by them. So, Poonch has full backing from PM Modi Ji.

SALIL RAINA: There are growing allegations against the government over the bunker scam as people allege that a massive scam has taken place in the construction of bunkers in the district. What is your take on this?

PARDEEP SHARMA: Construction of bunkers worth nearly Rs 415 crores was started by our prime minister in 2018 for the border areas of Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Rajouri, and Poonch in the Jammu division. At that time, I never thought that one day, Poonch would be targeted by Pakistan. But, I feel, there is a big scam in the construction of bunkers, as brazen violations of rules have taken place as far as the quality of bunkers is concerned. I demand a high-level inquiry into the issue.

SALIL RAINA: People of Poonch City have started to demand an ALC status for Poonch. Please share your thoughts on this matter.

PARDEEP SHARMA: Poonch deserved this ALC status for a long time, but unfortunately, it was not given, and now, after this Pakistani shelling directly targeting the Poonch city, we deserve this status strongly. I request the union government to consider this a priority.

SALIL RAINA: Let’s come to the inner workings of the BJP unit of the district. There were a few allegations against you that you always worked against the party during grassroots and assembly elections. Moreover, some party leaders also said that you never cooperate with other party leaders at the district level, as you are comfortable with your own group only, least bothering about the party activities. Are these allegations against you true?

PARDEEP SHARMA: All these allegations are baseless. I am a loyal party soldier and took the party from 300 votes to 12,000 votes. In the 2019 parliamentary elections, the party took 15,000 votes from my haveli constituency. Now, in the last 2024 assembly elections, only 5,000 votes were added. I was deputed to the Mendhar constituency during the 2024 assembly elections, and the party took more than 17,000 votes for the first time. In Surankote, the party crossed the 23,000 votes mark. Now, anyone can analyze my selfless contribution to the party. The party has full faith in me. The party deputed me to make domicile certificates for POJK people. I went outside J&K several times and met POJK people and played a big role in preparing their domicile certificates. Other issues of POJK people were also brought to the notice of the party high command by me. The party also sent me to some states for assembly elections. Out of the three constituencies where I was sent, the BJP won two and lost the third by nearly 300 votes. In Delhi and Himachal Pradesh, the constituencies where I was deputed were won by BJP, while in MP, the constituency where I was deputed, the party lost by just a few votes. Earlier, also, I was deputed to several assembly constituencies in J&K and other states. The party has huge trust in me, and whatever my critics say, they have no value. My work speaks for me, and the people of Poonch know my contribution to the party and the people.

SALIL RAINA: You took the party to 12,000 votes before the joining of big leaders like ex-MLC Dr. Shenaz Ganai and DDC member Ch. Abdul Gani, but you were reportedly sidelined from various important party responsibilities, while some parachute leaders have been given everything. You were also ignored for the mandate from the Poonch Haveli constituency. Why?

PARDEEP SHARMA: I am a loyal party soldier and always work for the party and don’t believe in any positions in the party. If you have a desire to work for the nation in any capacity, then I think positions within the party don’t matter at all. I strongly stand with the party through thick and thin.

SALIL RAINA: Is the Poonch BJP divided into different factions?

PARDEEP SHARMA: No, Poonch BJP is one strong unit, and there is no difference of opinion among the leaders. For the rest, I focus on my work and don’t waste my time on unnecessary things.

SALIL RAINA: The BJP government gave ST status to the Pahari ethnic tribe, but Paharis failed to show their loyalty towards the BJP during the assembly and parliament elections in 2024. BJP even lost the prestigious Nowshera seat on which powerful BJP leader and former J&K BJP president Ravinder Raina, who played a big role in Pahari people getting ST status, was the candidate. Have Paharis backstabbed the BJP?

PARDEEP SHARMA: No backstabbing. Winning or losing is another thing. In the assembly elections, it was because of Paharis that the BJP stood at the No. 2 position on all the seats that the party had lost in the Rajouri-Poonch region. On losing maximum seats in the Rajouri-Poonch region, it’s up to the party high command to analyze the reasons.

SALIL RAINA: What is your contribution to the people of Poonch as an ex-MLC and a senior BJP leader? PARDEEP SHARMA: I stand for my people by all means. As an MLC, I undertook huge developmental works in the city. The DPRs of many projects, including the ring road and car parking project, were prepared with my efforts, but unfortunately, those projects are still not taken to their logical conclusion. As a BJP leader, I am available for all, as my party’s ideology is very clear, and that is to stand for the nation first.

SALIL RAINA: What is the future policy of J&K BJP for the people, as the party has some visionary faces like Sat Sharma, LOP Sunil Sharma, Sham Lal Sharma, Ravinder Raina, and some other big leaders?

PARDEEP SHARMA: The J&K BJP Under the leadership of our president, Sat Sharma Ji, General Secretary Ashok Koul Ji, LOP Sunil Sharma Ji, Sham Lal Sharma, and other big leaders, a lot is being done. The party is working day and night to address the concerns of the people of J&K. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji and Home Minister Amit Shah Ji are duty-bound to make Bharat a global power. In J&K, BJP is the only real voice of the people, and the day is not far away when all the areas of J&K will get their due share. The inauguration of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat train by PM Modi Ji a few days ago is just one example of J&K on the path of development. Moreover, Operation Sindoor has not finished yet, and I think this one line is sufficient to indicate the strong intentions of Bharat under the dynamic leadership of PM Modi Ji and Home Minister Amit Shah Ji. I also take this opportunity to pay my tribute to those who lost their lives in a tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. We also lost our former Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani Ji. It was a terrible crash. May God give strength to all to bear this huge loss?

SALIL RAINA: Thanks.

PARDEEP SHARMA: Welcome, and again, thanks a lot for this opportunity, Raina Sahib.