A file image of NC leader and legislator Tanvir Sadiq.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
The ruling National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday (February 15, 2026) slammed Gulam Ali Khatana, BJP’s Rajya Sabha member from Jammu and Kashmir, for spending 94% of the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Division (MPLAD) funds in Uttar Pradesh.
“What is the purpose of nominating an MP from J&K if 94% of his development funds are spent in Uttar Pradesh? This exposes a harsh truth: J&K’s representation has been reduced to symbolism, while its people are denied their rightful share. This is shameful and unacceptable. Our people deserve commitment, not the BJP’s tokenism. Jammu needs to wake up,” said NC leader and legislator Tanvir Sadiq.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) nominated Mr. Khatana, 56, a Gujjar leader, to the Upper House of the Parliament in 2022.
“MP Khatana spent 94% of his MPLAD funds in U.P. Out of 176 works, 144 are in U.P. He entered Parliament from Jammu and Kashmir but his development funds went to U.P.,” said PDP leader Aditya Gupta.
Mr. Gupta said: this is the BJP’s model. “Votes from Jammu, funds for UP. Jammu wasn’t betrayed by outsiders, it has always been our own MPs and MLAs who sold our interests,” Mr. Gupta said.
Published – February 16, 2026 01:16 am IST
