STATE TIMES NEWS
BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Saturday said that Jammu and Kashmir will scale new heights of development and prosperity as per vision of PM Narendra Modi.
In an exclusive interview to STATE TIMES, Tarun Chugh dwelt on wide range of subjects pertaining to the ongoing elections in the Union Territory.
Q: How much of a challenge is the BJP facing from the Congress-National Conference alliance in the Assembly elections?
Ans: There is no challenge as such from these divisive parties with separatists agenda. We are fighting the elections on Modi Ji’s vision of development for J&K . Congress, NC parties are fighting on the agenda of restoration of 370 and withdrawal of reservation. Their manifesto is only meant to revive terrorism and it will be rejected. People of of J&K will give clear mandate to BJP for the vision of peace and progress . This election is not between NC, Congress,or PDP. This election is between the people who want to bring back the article 370 and PM Narendra Modi’s development agenda for J&K.
Q: What issues is the party focusing on among the people, and how many seats is it capable of winning?
Ans: Our focus is on security, stability and to end the terrorism. Restoration of statehood and to develop the region in to world class tourism hub and employment creation. Empowerment of Youth. Financial support for widows and elderly women, improving the livelihoods, students welfare, modernisation of agriculture, farmers welfare and infrastructure development are at the forefront. Overall holistic development of the region and to see Jammu and Kashmir as a role model of development in India. Our manifesto, ‘Sankalp Patra,’ outlines a comprehensive plan for a prosperous and developed Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP is dedicated to ensuring that every citizen of J&K experiences the benefits of good governance and inclusive progress. The party aims to secure all seats and seek the voters’ mandate. People will recognise our development plan outlined in the ‘Sankalp Patra’ for the region.
Q: What is your opinion on the discontent within the BJP regarding ticket distribution? Will it have an impact on the Assembly elections?
Ans: We value our Karyakarta’s for their unwavering dedication and contribution to the party and their trust in Prime Minister Modi’s vision for our nation. The ticket distribution is a dynamic process of various factors and a large number of aspirants among Karyakarta’s itself is an indication of the growing aspirations and party foothold in the region. BJP is a family and party is fully capable of handling any discontent among our Karyakartas and there will be no further implications on the elections. BJP stands firmly united and our Karyakarta are participating in the elections with full enthusiasm.
Q: How important does the BJP consider the Kashmir division in its mission to form the government?
Ans: BJP considers Kashmir division as important in it’s mission to form the government on par with Jammu. The development plans for Jammu and Kashmir addressed in our ‘Sankalp Patra’ are the base for seeking full mandate from Kashmir region and we are confident that the peace and progress witnessed after abrogation of article 370 will secure support from the valley in forming the government.
Q: Has the BJP left any seats for allied parties or independent candidates in Kashmir?
Ans: India is a democratic country, and our constitution gives every citizen the right to contest elections from any part of the country. The Bharatiya Janata Party is contesting elections independently in Jammu and Kashmir, and we have not formed an alliance with any party.
Q. What is your stand on the recent statement by Pakistan’s Defense Minister in support to the National Conference and Congress on restoring Article 370 in J&K?
Ans: The open support of Pakistan’s Defense Minister for the NC and Congress’s agenda of restoring Article 370 in J&K is nothing but an endorsement and validation of their manifesto being crafted at the behest of the ISI. NC and Congress are promoting anti J&K and anti India propaganda. The BJP remains committed to ensuring that J&K remains free from any interference by external & internal forces seeking to destabilise peace and progress in the region.