President Droupadi Murmu has nominated Gulam Ali Khatana, a Gurjar Muslim from Jammu and Kashmir, to Rajya Sabha. Mr Ali has been nominated to the Upper House on the recommendation of the Central government. This is perhaps for the first time a Gurjar Muslim from the region has been sent to the Rajya Sabha as a nominated member.

Speaking to Republic Media Network, Gulam Ali Khatana said, “This is only possible in the Modi government. PM Modi had promised to empower the neglected section after coming to power. Our community was always neglected in the region until today.”

“For the very first time, nine seats have been reserved for our community. Forest Rights Act has been implemented for the first time. Atrocity Act has also been implemented here,” he observed.

The move has been applauded across the country. Jitendra Singh, who holds several portfolios tweeted that the  rise of a Gurjar Muslim from J &K to the Upper House”  could have been possible only during a government headed by PM Sh @narendramodi”.

BJP’s IT Cell head Amit Malviya lauded the appointment calling it a significant step as it gives recognition to the Gurjar community living in the Kashmir Valley. He said, prior to abrogation of Article 370, the community was literally not recognised and all social benefits were denied to them.

Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas,  Hardeep Singh Puri also applauded the decision.