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Sunil Sharma, a prominent figure within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has been elected as the Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. This historic appointment marks a significant milestone for the BJP, making Sharma the first individual from the party to hold this position in the assembly's history. His election follows a period of intense political activity in the region, characterized by the revocation of Article 370 in 2019 and subsequent delimitation exercises that reshaped the electoral landscape.
Sharma, a 47-year-old leader, has secured a second term in the J&K Assembly after a close victory in the newly established Padder Nagseni constituency, located in the Kishtwar district. His electoral success was a result of his unwavering commitment to the BJP's ideology and his dedicated efforts to expand the party's presence in the region. He is particularly lauded for his contribution to the BJP's rise in prominence following the revocation of Article 370, a pivotal moment in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sharma's journey to the Leader of Opposition position began with his maiden victory in the 2014 Assembly elections, where he secured the Kishtwar assembly constituency seat. Subsequently, he served as a Minister of State in the PDP-BJP coalition government from 2014 to 2018, showcasing his administrative skills and political acumen. While his educational background extends up to the 12th grade, he is currently pursuing a graduation degree from the Lovely Professional University of Jalandhar, demonstrating his dedication to lifelong learning.
His financial declarations paint a picture of his assets and liabilities. According to his election affidavit, Sharma's total wealth amounts to Rs 3.7 crore, comprising movable assets valued at ₹68.7 lakh and immovable properties worth Rs 3 crore. His declared liabilities stand at Rs 3.1 lakh. This provides a glimpse into his financial standing and the resources he brings to the table as the Leader of Opposition.
Source: Meet Sunil Sharma, BJP's first-ever leader of opposition in J&K assembly