STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Senior BJP leader and former deputy chief minister Kavinder Gupta on Thursday criticized the National Conference (NC) and Congress leaders for their recent statements advocating for the restoration of Article 370.
In a statement issued to media persons, the BJP stalwart leader argued that this stance clearly exposes the leadership of these parties as being out of touch with the aspirations of the people and shows that they do not want the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir to enjoy the basic rights and development that the abrogation of Article 370 has brought about.
“By raising the issue of restoring Article 370, the NC and Congress have demonstrated that they are more concerned with their political survival than the welfare of the people. This stance is nothing short of regressive, as it seeks to undo the significant progress and integration that Jammu and Kashmir have experienced since the abrogation,” he said while adding that Article 370 has empowered the people of the UT, granting them the same rights and opportunities as citizens in the rest of India. “Article 370’s abrogation has opened the doors to development and equal rights. The NC and Congress leadership, by pushing for its restoration, are effectively denying the people the benefits of this new era,” he said and urged the people to reject the divisive politics of the NC and Congress and to stand firm in their support of the transformative changes that have taken place in the region. He also reiterated the BJP’s commitment to the development and prosperity of the region, stating that the party would continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every citizen enjoys the full benefits of being an integral part of India. “The NC and Congress are living in the past, clinging to outdated ideas that have only served to keep the people of Jammu and Kashmir isolated and deprived. The people deserve better, and the BJP will continue to fight for their right to a better future,” he maintained.