‘No Chance for NC-Congress, BJP Set to Sweep J&K Polls’
Jammu, Sep 7: Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday dismissed the opposition’s attempt to revive the autonomy plank during the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls and asked the NC-Congress alliance to stop fooling people by promising statehood as only the Centre can restore the status.
Shah assured people about the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood after the assembly election, which he said is the first under the national flag and the Constitution following the abrogation of Article 370 by the Narendra Modi government.
Accusing the Congress-National Conference alliance of attempting to revive the “old system” and pushing Jammu and Kashmir into the fire of terrorism and corruption again, Shah said, “The time when someone else was deciding whose government will be formed (in J&K) has gone. Now Jammu will decide the formation of government.”
The NC and Congress, however, claimed the BJP was attempting to sow confusion and fear among the electorate as it was in a state of panic since the two parties announced a seat-sharing arrangement and asserted that the 10-year BJP rule in the country was a “disappointment”.
Shah was in Jammu on a two-day visit to boost the BJP’s election campaign for the assembly polls, voting for which is scheduled on September 18, 25 and October 1. The counting of votes will be held on October 8.
He released the party’s manifesto on his first day of visit on Friday and also chaired meetings with senior leaders to discuss the campaign strategy.
“The upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir are historic because, after Independence, the polls are happening for the first time under our national flag and Constitution, unlike the past practice of two flags and two constitutions. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, we have only one prime minister and he is Modi,” Shah told the rally before leaving for Delhi.
“(PM) Modi restored your honour by ending discrimination and injustice faced by you… Ensure (the formation of) a government that will work for you so that you do not have to go to Srinagar with a begging bowl. It is possible by strengthening Modi’s hand,” he said.
The Home Minister, known for his political acumen, began his speech by paying homage to Syama Prasad Mookerjee and Pandit Prem Nath Dogra, figures revered in the region for their contributions to Kashmir’s integration with India. This strategic opening served to remind the audience of the BJP’s ideological roots and its long-standing commitment to the full integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India.
Shah emphasized the historic nature of the upcoming elections, pointing out that for the first time, voters would cast their ballots under a single flag and constitution. This reference to the abrogation of Article 370, a move that stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status in 2019, was met with enthusiasm from the gathered party workers. The Home Minister presented this as a triumph of democracy and national unity, stating, “There is just one Prime Minister in the country, who is elected by people from Kashmir to Kanniyakumari and that is Narendra Modiji.”
The BJP’s electoral strategy became clear as Shah urged party workers to not only ensure victory for their candidates but also to push for opponents to forfeit their security deposits. This aggressive approach signals the party’s ambition to secure a significant majority in the Assembly.
In a direct challenge to the opposition, Shah accused the NC and Congress of harboring intentions to restore Article 370 and separate flags for the region. He alleged that these parties aimed to disrupt the newly implemented reservation system for Gujjars, Bakerwals, and Paharis, positioning the BJP as the protector of these communities’ interests. “I want to make it clear to Rahul Gandhi that, however hard he might try, we will not allow anybody to touch the reservations,” Shah declared.
The Home Minister didn’t shy away from addressing sensitive issues, including the government’s stance on Pakistan. He reiterated that no dialogue would occur with Pakistan until peace is fully restored in Jammu and Kashmir, a statement that aligns with the BJP’s tough stance on national security.
Shah’s speech also included sharp criticism of past administrations, accusing the Gandhi, Abdullah, and Mufti families of extensive corruption. He painted a picture of a region held back by dynastic politics and mismanagement, contrasting it with the BJP’s vision of development and progress.
To illustrate the positive changes under BJP rule, Shah pointed to the successful and peaceful conduct of the Amarnath Yatra, with 5.12 lakh pilgrims participating without fear. He also highlighted the government’s efforts to honor regional figures, such as declaring Maharaja Hari Singh’s birthday as a holiday in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Home Minister’s address wasn’t solely focused on criticism of opponents. He outlined the BJP’s commitments for the region’s future, touching on development initiatives and reaffirming promises made in the party’s election manifesto. Shah presented the BJP as the only party capable of ensuring peace, stability, and progress in Jammu and Kashmir.
As the speech concluded, it was clear that the BJP is gearing up for an intense electoral battle. Shah’s confident predictions and the enthusiastic response from party workers suggest that the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be fiercely contested, with the BJP pulling out all stops to secure a majority.
