 Early Times Report
Jammu, Apr 16: Union Home Minister Amit Shah today invoked the last Dogra ruler Maharaja Hari Singh and founder of Praja Parishad Pandit Prem Nath Dogra to seek support for party candidates on two Lok Sabha seats of Jammu province.
Addressing an public meeting at Paloura in Jammu, Shah stated that PDP, Congress, and National Conference had hindered democracy, being the "three family alliances” that monopolized representation and prevented panchayat elections.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the task of empowering four lakhs panchayat members’, Shah said, adding, “People from the mountains, including Gujjars, Bakarwals, and hill dwellers thanked BJP to express gratitude”.
Shah further mentioned that the Sufi tradition is flourishing throughout Jammu and Kashmir, with the Ksheer Bhawani Mela in full swing.
“Devotees are also coming for darshan at Mata Vaishno Devi, and the Amarnath Yatra is witnessing a significant turnout, indicating the happiness and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir”, he said.
The Home Minister remarked that these parties had disrespected the Dogra and Dogri community by never honoring Maharaja Hari Singh. BJP declared a holiday on his birth anniversary and showed respect.
“During the time of the Bharatiya Jan Sangh, there was a prolonged struggle for the Dogri language. Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee included Dogri in the Eighth Schedule, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared Dogri as an official language, thereby honoring the Dogra community”, he said.
“The BJP has brought about many changes in Jammu and Kashmir. Examples of these changes include the abolition of the Lakhanpur toll tax, providing 33% reservation for women, and fulfilling the long-standing demand for reservation for the Pahari community. Additionally, the people here have been granted rights to education, forest rights, and protection under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Prevention of Atrocities Act, the Whistleblowers Protection Act, and the Minority Commission”, he said.
Amit Shah emphasized that upon setting foot in Jammu, BJP karyakartas are filled with reverence, recalling the sacrifices made by the party's first president, Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee.
Shah highlighted that Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee's assertion, “Ek Desh Mein Do Vidhan, Do Pradhaan Aur Do Nishan Nahi Chalenge" echoes with pride today, as Article 370 has been revoked.
“Just like the rest of the nation, Jammu and Kashmir proudly display the Indian tricolor, symbolizing unity and dignity. The sacrifices of Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and the endorsement of the movement by Prem Nath Dogra are evident and revered”, he said.
Shah highlighted the multitude of benefits that the entire nation has reaped under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Shah emphasized that while the nation as a whole has seen significant progress with initiatives like providing homes to the poor, “Nal Se Jal” scheme, access to sanitation facilities, distribution of free food grains, healthcare coverage up to ₹5 lakh, and enhanced national pride, it's the people of Jammu and Kashmir who have particularly benefited. |
