New Delhi/UNI: Several local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders from the Kashmir valley on Friday joined the National Congress Party (NCP) in the presence of Party Chief Sharad Pawar and J&K Party In-Charge Rakesh Sapru in New Delhi.

Among the leaders who have joined were, Gulzar Ahmed Nengroo, Ghulam MohIudin Reshi, Gulzar Ahmed Wagay, Tariq Ahmed Malik, Abdul Hamid Gagroo, Mohd. Ashraf Wagay and Aijaz Ahmad Khawaja.

In a statement, the NCP said, "The joining will help in expanding the NCP footprint in Jammu and Kashmir union territory with a special focus on youth, women and underprivileged."

Welcoming the new members to NCP, Pawar exhorted them to become the true representatives of the people of Jammu & Kashmir by working towards the welfare of each and every member of the society.

Pawar promised NCP leadership would give all possible support to the newcomers in expanding the part in UT.

On the occasion, the new members said they left BJP because it had failed to move in any positive direction despite being in power in the centre and the union territory.

These leaders also said they were attracted by the ‘inclusive’ policies of the Nationalist Congress Party and its commitment to safeguarding regional identity and sanctity and taking India forward.