Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 30: Firing salvos at National Conference, PDP and the Congress for promoting terrorism and separatism in J&K, Union Minister and BJP’s J&K incharge for elections G K Reddy Friday said that people of the UT have two choices in the upcoming elections: to choose Terrorism, separatism or Development, peace.
We have always been clear in our politics. Ever since BJP was formed, we had promised revocation of Article 370 and we did what we promised not to play politics but to provide rights to the people of J&K for which they were waiting since past seven decades,” he said addressing a press conference in Jammu. Reddy said that this election is not just an election for the BJP but an “Andoolan” against the Congress-NC alliance. “Rahul-Omar alliance is aimed at reviving terrorism and separatism in J&K but we will not allow that. So this Andoolan is to ensure Pakistan and its proxies are kept at bay and J&K remains on the path of development and peace,” he said.
He said people of J&K have to decide themselves in the upcoming elections that whether they want to choose revival of terrorism, separatism or development and peace. “People have to decide whether they want Kashmiri youth again on streets with stones or with laptop and bats in their hands,” he said. Reddy said BJP will soon dole out its manifesto that will cover all sectors. “Our manifesto will talk about peace and prosperity,” he said. He said Abdullahs and Muti’s were biased against the Jammu region. “Jammu was always ignored,” he said. “I want to ask Rahul, Omar and Mehbooba, do you want a separate party again besides the national flag? And do you want separate constitution in J&K again?,” Reddy asked.
‘No one wants Article 370 back’
Reddy claimed that five years since the abrogation of Article 370, peace had returned to Jammu and Kashmir and large-scale development was underway, as he urged the people to vote for his party in the upcoming state election.
Reddy said that before the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, activities of Pakistan’s ISI, its intelligence agency, were rampant, and terrorism was a constant threat. But today, almost 98 per cent of these activities have been eradicated, he claimed.
“As Jammu and Kashmir approaches its first assembly elections since the abrogation, it is a crucial moment for all of us. This is a very important election. The people of Jammu and Kashmir hold a big responsibility. I believe they will make the right decision after analysin Ever since BJP was formed, we had promised revocation of Article 370 and we did what we promised not to play politics.
This election is not just an election for the BJP but an “Andoolan” against the Congress-NC alliance.
Rahul-Omar alliance is aimed at reviving terrorism and separatism in J&K but we will not allow that.
This Andoolan is to ensure Pakistan and its proxies are kept at bay and J&K remains on the path of development and peace.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir will reject any attempt to revive Article 370 and will support the BJP’s vision for peace, progress, and development in the upcoming elections instead of terrorism and separatism patronised by others,” he added.
Reddy criticised the Congress-NC alliance, alleging that its manifesto is “against peace and development and aligns more closely with Pakistan’s interests than those of the people of India.” Reddy invoked former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s efforts to forge peace with Pakistan, which, he said, were thwarted by Islamabad’s “malicious intentions.” “The people must recognise the history of betrayal by parties like the PDP, NC, and Congress, and vote for the BJP, which is the only party committed to the welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
He alleged that the rival alliance’s plan to reinstate Article 370 would once again separate J-K from the rest of India and undo the progress made since.
Reddy termed the Article 370 as a “black law” that was against the rights of the poor, women, and SC, ST communities.
“There are no more bomb blasts, no ISI agents causing havoc. The results are clear for everyone to see. Our decision was justified and right,” he asserted.
“Before this historic move, the region was plagued by a lack of basic infrastructure -— electricity, roads, water connections, and housing for the poor were all severely lacking,” he said.
“Now, with the implementation of the 42nd and 43rd Amendments, funds are directly reaching villages, empowering grassroots democracy,” he added.
The politician claimed that the Union Territory was finally rid of “scourge of stone pelting” and Kashmiri Pandits were being restored to their homes with dignity and security.
Reddy also slammed PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, a former ally of the BJP, accusing her of conspiring with the Congress and the NC to destabilise the region.
“Why should a beautiful state like Jammu and Kashmir be made the epicentre of unrest when people are yearning for development, employment, and the full implementation of Dr B R Ambedkar’s Constitution?” he asked.
He also accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on being “silent” on the alliance’s manifesto, which, he claimed, discriminates against women and the underprivileged.
“Logo Ki Umar Guzar Jaati Hai Ek Ghar Banane Main, Magar Unko Sharm Nahi Aati Jalane Main … (It takes ages to build, but moments to destroy)” he said, referring to the Congress-NC combine. |
