By voting for BJP, people are voting for stronger, united India: Chugh

By statetimes_editor Last updated Sep 27, 2024

Under PM Modi’s leadership, terrorism in J&K eradicated, replacing stones in the hands of youth with laptops
Since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, J&K has seen growth manifold

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: In an exclusive interview with STATE TIMES, BJP National General Secretary and Incharge for Jammu and Kashmir Tarun Chugh said “the people of Jammu and Kashmir have recognized the contributions made by PM Narendra Modi’s government in the region, and their trust in the BJP’s vision for development, peace and security.”

ST: After the two phases of elections are over, how many seats does the BJP expects to win in this phase?

Ans: It is too early to say anything along those lines, but there is a popular wave in favour of the BJP because of the Modi government’s peace and development policies. People are disillusioned with the Abdullah and Mufti families. The people have realized how the two families have taken J&K from a bad to worse situation for their vested political interest. Now a new sunrise has taken place. There is new optimism and enthusiasm in J&K.

The people of Jammu and Kashmir have recognized the contributions made by PM Narendra Modi’s government to the region, and their trust in the BJP’s vision for the development of Jammu and Kashmir, people are standing with PM Modi’s motto of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas Sabka Prayas’ and this will also be reflected in the results.

ST: BJP claims that the party will win all 43 Assembly seats in Jammu. On What basis has the party made such claims?

Ans: The BJP’s agenda of development, peace, and prosperity and the unwavering support and love that the people of J&K have given to PM Modi and his leadership is the assurance that the BJP will have the results in its favour when the votes are counted.
We are confident that we will form the government in J&K and this confidence comes from the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and the faith people have placed in him to take the country forward on the path of development in every sphere.

ST: Rahul Gandhi is playing the outsider versus local card in his election campaign in Jammu and Kashmir; he has also emphasized restoring statehood, what you have to say on this?

Ans: Rahul Gandhi has come to visit Jammu and Kashmir like a royal prince. He has no clue of the ground reality here. The Abdullah family revolving around him tells him what to speak so that their Pakistani masters stay happy.
Rahul Gandhi should tell who these outsiders are he is talking about; whether the Indians living in other states are outsiders to him, whether our Valmiki brothers are outsiders to him, or whether refugees from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir are outsiders to him. Rahul Gandhi has made it clear that there is no difference between the separatist mindset of his, Yasin Malik and that of Geelani, all of them are working at the behest of the Pakistani toolkit.
As far as the restoration of statehood is concerned, Rahul Gandhi is unnecessarily beating drums, the BJP has already promised to restore the statehood in its Sankalp Patra and we will fulfill it.

ST: You claim the situation has rapidly changed in J&K after the abrogation of Article 370 and 35 A while opposition parties negate it saying terror incidents have increased in Jammu and people feel insecure.

Ans: The opposition parties are flogging a dead horse. The issue of Article 370 is no longer relevant in J&K. It is for their vested interest that the Abdullahs and Muftis have been raising it to fill their coffers and deprive the people of J&K of development and progress.
The Investments for infrastructure have followed, extension of highways, construction of roads, establishment of educational institutions, and building of medical facilities in Jammu & Kashmir, tourism has flourished and the region has seen a tourism boom with 2.11 crore tourists visiting in 2023.
This has increased revenue and created many employment opportunities.
From being the capital of terrorism, J&K has now become the capital of tourism.
Under PM Modi’s leadership, terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir has been eradicated, replacing stones in the hands of youth with laptops. The youth of J&K have turned their backs on terrorism. Now it’s only being sponsored by Pakistani agents. There has been more than 75 percent decline in terrorism because the youth are looking for growth and prosperity. They do not want to play in the dirty hands of Abdullahs and Muftis.
The Government’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism has led to significant improvement in security.

ST: BJP claims a lot of development took place in UT after the abrogation of Article 370 while opposition parties say since then miseries of people in the UT have increased.

Ans: Again, this is just to blame for the sake of it, without any grounds. Since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, J&K has seen growth manifold. This has led to the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the Indian Constitution, enabling the establishment of the Panchayati Raj system and extending key central laws, which promote grassroots democracy and social justice. The Modi government has guaranteed proprietary rights for women and initiated several major infrastructural projects, including the Chenab Railway Bridge, Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel, and Delhi-Katra Greenfield Expressway. Lavender Farming under the ‘Aroma Mission’ has substantially increased farmers’ incomes. Since the abrogation, Jammu & Kashmir has attracted investment proposals worth over ?81,000 crore, fueling economic growth through new policies aimed at boosting investment and development. The establishment of the region’s first IIM and IIT in Jammu along with AIIMS in Awantipora and Vijaypur, has provided world-class education opportunities. GI tags have been awarded to various local products like Saffron and Basohli Paintings, preserving cultural heritage and boosting exports. All these and many such initiatives by the government have improved the lives of people in J&K in many ways.

ST: What measures will the BJP take to ensure the welfare of vulnerable groups in Jammu & Kashmir?

Ans: The BJP has plans in place for uplifting vulnerable groups in Jammu & Kashmir. We will triple the pensions for old age, widows, and disabled persons from Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000, ensuring these groups can lead a life of dignity. For the landless, the government will provide a free allotment of Marlas of land through the Atal Awas Yojana. We will expand the Ayushman Bharat Sehat Scheme by increasing the health insurance coverage by an additional Rs 2 lakhs, raising the total to Rs 7 lakhs per family. This will ensure families to have access to quality and affordable healthcare. For farmers, the BJP government will enhance the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme by giving Rs 10,000 annually, with the existing ?6,000 along with an additional Rs 4,000. Electricity tariffs for agriculture will be reduced by up to 50 per cent, making it more affordable for farmers. Under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, free electricity to households along with an additional subsidy of Rs 10,000 for solar instruments will be given. A scheme for relief from outstanding electricity and water bills will be implemented. The ‘Har Ghar Nal Se Jal’ will ensure access to clean drinking water. For government employees, especially those from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, the BJP will ensure reservation in promotions, enhancing their career prospects. A dedicated transfer policy will also be created for SC employees and others working in the Kashmir Valley to address their specific needs. These initiatives will ensure the BJP’s commitment to inclusive governance for the most vulnerable populations in Jammu and Kashmir and improved quality of life for all.

ST: What is your call for the voters of Jammu and Kashmir in the ongoing elections?

Ans: We urge the voters of Jammu and Kashmir to support the BJP’s vision of peace, development, security, and stability. Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India; the region represents the spirit and strength of our nation. We need to take a strong stand for nationalism and unity in the region, against divisive forces who aim to destabilise the peace and harmony of J&K. By voting for the BJP, the people are voting for a stronger and united India. There is a need for the people of J&K to support the BJP for a stable, secure, and prosperous future, where development, good governance, and an improved quality of life are guaranteed for all citizens.