Statehood Restoration in Jammu and Kashmir
Amit Shah on Statehood for Jammu & Kashmir
Centre Holds Key to Statehood Restoration
During a rally in Jammu, Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that only the Central Government has the authority to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He dismissed the opposition’s promises regarding autonomy and statehood, particularly those made by the National Conference (NC) and Congress alliance, labeling them as attempts to mislead the public. Shah reiterated that statehood would be restored only after the assembly elections, the first to be held under the National Flag and the Indian Constitution since the abrogation of Article 370.
Criticism of Opposition’s Promises
Shah took aim at the NC-Congress alliance, accusing them of reviving an outdated system that fueled terrorism and corruption in Jammu and Kashmir. He claimed that the days when external forces determined the region’s government formation are over and now it is up to the people of Jammu to make that decision. Shah warned that if the NC-Congress alliance returns to power, it would signify a resurgence of terrorism in the region.
Focus on Upcoming Elections
During his two-day visit to Jammu, Shah launched the BJP’s election campaign for the upcoming Assembly Polls, scheduled for September 18, 25, and October 1, with vote counting on October 8. He released the party’s manifesto and met with senior BJP leaders to refine their campaign strategy. Shah described these elections as historic, as they will be conducted under the Indian national flag and Constitution, a departure from the previous dual-flag and dual-constitution arrangement.
Restoration of Statehood After Elections
Amit Shah reiterated that the central government and BJP have already committed to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir at an appropriate time following the assembly elections. He criticized opposition leaders Farooq Abdullah and Rahul Gandhi for misleading the public by promising to restore statehood, a power that only the Centre possesses. Shah urged the public to strengthen the BJP’s position, asserting that this would lead to a government that genuinely represents the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
BJP’s Development Agenda
Highlighting the BJP’s achievements, Shah mentioned that the Modi government has significantly reduced terrorism in the region, with a 70% drop in terror incidents. He credited the government’s firm stance against those funding terrorism and measures like suspending Line of Control (LoC) trade that funneled money into terrorist activities. Shah also noted that the BJP-led government has fulfilled long-standing demands, such as granting reservations to marginalized communities like Gujjars, Paharis, Bakerwals, and Dalits.
Opposition’s Alleged Corruption
Shah accused the NC, Congress, and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of massive corruption and misusing funds that could have developed the region. He asserted that if the money lost to corruption had been invested in Jammu and Kashmir, the state would not have faced any infrastructural deficits. Shah warned voters not to elect these parties back into power, as their agenda could bring back terrorism and stall development efforts in the region.
Unity Under One Flag and Constitution
Amit Shah highlighted that, for the first time since Independence, the upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held under a single national flag and Constitution. He contrasted this with past practices where the region operated under its own flag and constitution. Shah praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for unifying the nation and restoring the dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir by ending long-standing discrimination and ensuring that government policies benefit the local population directly.
BJP’s Vision for Peace and Development
Shah concluded his speech by paying tribute to notable figures like Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Pandit Prem Nath Dogra, and Baba Daleep Singh Manhas, and urged the people to vote for peace and development. He emphasized that a vote for the BJP is a vote against terrorism and divisiveness, and that the party is committed to securing a prosperous future for Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.