# Ghulam Ali Khatana

Gulam Ali Khatana, popularly known as Er. Gulam Ali Khatana, is an Indian politician from Jammu and Kashmir and a Member of the Rajya Sabha. Known for his advocacy for marginalized communities and regional development, Khatana has played a significant role in the political landscape of the region. Over the years, he has been associated with various political movements, including student leadership, the National Panthers Party, and later, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His work has focused on tribal welfare, social justice, and addressing regional disparities in education and infrastructure.
Early Life and Education
Gulam Ali Khatana was born on March 1, 1971, in Bhatindi, Jammu. He is the youngest in his family. His early years were marked by a keen interest in politics and activism, which led him to participate in student movements during the 1990s.
Political Career
Student Leadership (1990–2000)
Khatana began his political journey as a student leader, advocating for issues affecting students and the broader community in Jammu and Kashmir. This period laid the foundation for his later political engagement.
National Panthers Party (2000–2010)
From 2000 to 2010, Khatana was associated with the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP), serving as its provincial president and youth president. His tenure saw active participation in protests against regional discrimination and for social justice.
In 2006, he was subjected to torture for leading protests demanding justice for a Dalit individual killed in Katalbatal, Nagrota. Despite severe challenges, he continued his activism until leaving the party on April 29, 2010.
Advocacy and Protests
Khatana has led multiple protests highlighting issues such as regional discrimination, lack of educational infrastructure, and tribal rights. His activism includes:
* A four-day hunger strike demanding an engineering college, agriculture college, and medical college in Jammu. • Leading efforts to secure justice for 13 Gujjar tribal families in Hill Kaka who were victims of violence. • A 65-day protest in Jammu against discrimination in medical and engineering college admissions, which contributed to the creation of four new districts: Samba, Reasi, Ramban, and Kishtwar.
Association with BJP and RSS (2008–Present)
Khatana joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2008 and has held several leadership roles. He was also associated with the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), a wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), where he worked on minority outreach and integration programs.
Key Positions in BJP
* In-Charge of Ramban (2008–Present): Overseeing party activities in the district. • Secretary of BJP J&K Unit (2012–2018): Played an administrative role in strengthening the party’s regional presence. • Vice President of BJP J&K (2018–2020): Focused on organizational development and outreach efforts.
Parliamentary Role and Legislative Contributions
Khatana was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 2022, becoming the first Gujjar Muslim from Jammu and Kashmir to achieve this position. His nomination was recommended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and approved by President Droupadi Murmu.
As a Rajya Sabha MP, Khatana has been a member of various parliamentary committees, actively participating in discussions on governance, tribal welfare, and national security. He is known for consistent parliamentary attendance and engagement in legislative matters.
Social and Developmental Work
Khatana has been a vocal advocate for infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in remote areas. His efforts include:
* Advocating for cold storage facilities and food godowns for farmers. • Pushing for Food Corporation of India (FCI) support for tribal communities. • Comparing the pre- and post-abrogation impact of Article 370 in Parliament, highlighting changes in governance and development.
Legal and Social Justice Activism
Throughout his career, Khatana has fought for justice in several cases, including:
* Seeking justice for a Dalit individual killed in Katalbatal, Nagrota, during which he sustained injuries. • Advocating for a Brahmin family in Lambhedi, where a victim was wrongly implicated in a terrorism-related case. • Working on legal and political avenues to protect tribal rights in the region.
Recognition and Achievements
Awards and Honors
* Ibn Sena Public Health Award (2023) – Recognized for his contributions to public health and social welfare in Aligarh.
Memberships
* Member of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Court, contributing to educational and policy discussions.
Impact on BJP’s Outreach in Muslim Communities
Khatana has played a crucial role in BJP’s outreach among Muslim communities in Jammu and Kashmir. His efforts have led to:
* Increased representation of Muslims within BJP in Jammu. • Success in three-tier elections, with several BJP candidates becoming chairmen of municipal boards and cabinet ministers.
Legacy and Influence
Known for his accessibility and grassroots approach, Khatana is widely regarded as a leader who bridges the gap between the administration and the people. His tenure in the Rajya Sabha and continued political activism have positioned him as a key figure in Jammu and Kashmir’s contemporary political landscape.