Srinagar: Prominent Pahari Unionist and Former MLC from Pir Panchal region, Shahnaz Ganai on Monday joined the BJP party in Delhi, in the presence of Union minister Jitendra Singh and MP Tarun Chugh.
This development comes just days after Parliament passed a Bill granting Scheduled Tribe status to the Pahari ethnic tribe predominantly based in the Pir Panchal region, comprising Rajouri and Poonch districts.
Speaking at a joining ceremony held at BJP headquarters in New Delhi, Shahnaz said that she has been inspired by the developmental efforts of PM Narendra Modi, bringing massive reformation across the country.
She is the daughter of deceased NC leader and former minister Ghulam Ahmed Ganai.
Shahnaz Ganai hails from the Mandi area of Poonch and was elected to the Legislative Council against the panchayat quota in 2013, completing her term in 2018.
“I am highly thankful to BJP leadership today for this gesture. I am much inspired by PM Modi’s developmental efforts. The country is witnessing massive changes which include the empowerment of women and farmers. Also, peace and developmental activities have taken a new pace in Jammu & Kashmir. Tourism activities are on the increase besides reservations to communities including Pahari’s have been granted,” she said.