Don’t need secularism certificate: Devender Singh Rana

Jammu, October 16

Nearly a week after joining the BJP, former legislator Devender Singh Rana Saturday said the Jammu Declaration, which is yet to take shape, forms the basis of his political agenda and he is ready to sacrifice anything for the people of Jammu region.

Rana also said he didn’t not need to answer anyone or seek a certificate to prove his secular credentials. “My people know me very well and I know them as well,” Rana, who quit the National Conference on October 10, told reporters at his residence after he was accorded a grand welcome on his return from Delhi.

Traffic on the main road, which usually remains abuzz with heavy flow of vehicles, was suspended for over an hour around noon as the supporters of the two leaders waited with garlands and flower petals and danced on drum beats, raising slogans.

“When Jammu Declaration will be formed, it will be the political, social, economic and cultural narrative of the whole J&K. Jammu has equal right to speak for the whole of J&K and God willing, we will raise a voice full of energy,” he added.

In 2011, Rana had taken over the post of provincial president of National Conference. — PTI