“Modi brought new dawn in J&K”
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, who is also BJP’s election in-Charge for J&K elections, on Saturday described the ongoing assembly polls as “a movement for the people” as the BJP continues its efforts to redefine the future of Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing an ‘energized crowd’ in support of party candidate from Jammu West Arvind Gupta, the Union Minister reaffirmed that J&K remains the heartbeat of India, and the party’s vision for its people reflects the legacy of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, who established the party with the aim to protect J&K from dynastic rule and divisive politics.
Reddy reminded the gathering of the BJP’s historic opposition to Article 370, dating back to the founding of the party. He paid homage to the sacrifices made by leaders like Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, who gave their lives for the cause of “Ek Nishan, Ek Vidhan, Ek Pradhan” (One Flag, One Constitution, One Head). He noted that the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 marked a turning point in the BJP’s long struggle to fully integrate Jammu and Kashmir into India, a cause the party kept alive in their manifestos for over 70 years.
The Union Minister emphasized that this election is the first after the historic abrogation of Article 370, signaling a new era for the people of J&K.
“This is not just an election,” he said, “it’s a movement for the restoration of dignity for women, West Pakistani refugees, SCs, STs, and Valmiki Samaj, alongside all the people of Jammu and Kashmir”, he said and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their unwavering resolve in implementing this historic decision.
Recalling Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi’s historic journey to unfurl the tricolor in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, Reddy highlighted the symbolic importance of today’s youth proudly carrying the Indian flag in rallies across Dal Lake.
“The youth of Kashmir have shown their love for India and its unity,” he said, contrasting this positive shift with the resistance of opposition parties like Congress and the National Conference (NC), who , he said, are not liking the big change in Kashmir post-Article 370 abrogation.
Reddy remarked that the world’s eyes are on J&K now, as India demonstrates how peace, development, and democracy are taking root in the region. He urged voters not to see this election as a mere political contest but as a crucial step in securing the rights and futures of all people in J&K. “This election is a movement aimed at ensuring that no party like NC, Congress, or PDP ever snatches back the rights of the common people in J&K,” he asserted.
Taking a strong stand against the NC’s recent announcements, Reddy warned of dangerous designs to revert to dual flags and return power to militants. He pointed out that the NC’s promises to restore trade across the Line of Control and their potential dialogue with militants and Pakistan could unravel the progress made since Article 370’s abrogation. “It is up to the people to see through this dangerous plan,” Reddy said, highlighting that Congress is supporting the NC’s regressive policies.
Under BJP’s leadership, Reddy said, militancy in J&K is on its last legs, and the region is entering an era of peace and prosperity.
“The tables have turned and we now see peace, prosperity, and development across the region, thanks to Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah’s leadership”, he said, lauding the Prime Minister for isolating Pakistan globally He said the rogue nation no longer has support from the international community due to its role in sponsoring terrorism.
Reddy credited Modi’s policies for turning Pakistan into a failed state, isolated from the world stage due to its continued support to terrorism. “While Pakistan struggles, India’s vision for J&K is moving forward with peace and progress,” Reddy noted.
He criticized Congress for supporting NC’s regressive agenda, which, if allowed to prevail, would return J&K to a dark era of militancy and bloodshed.
The Minister pointed out the ongoing development in the region, citing the establishment of key institutions like IITs, AIIMS, and IIMs in J&K. He slammed the Congress for opposing these advancements and aligning with the NC’s outdated vision.
Speaking on the occasion, the party candidate Arvind Gupta in urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to vote for the BJP, which he described as the only party capable of ending the bloodshed and restoring lasting peace in the region. “These elections are an opportunity to end dynastic rule, restore democratic institutions, and bring lasting peace to the region,” he stated. He called upon voters to put aside divisions of caste, creed, and religion and unite for a future that prioritizes development and stability.
G. Kishan Reddy also called for an end to the political dominance of families like the Abdullahs and Muftis. “The people of J&K deserve a government that will strengthen Panchayati Raj institutions and local bodies like Municipal Committees and Corporations,” he concluded, asking the people to vote for change and prosperity over the dynastic politics that have defined the region for decades.
