Roshni Land Scam just tip of iceberg; much more will come to light soon: Tarun Chugh

Tarun Chugh, BJP’s National General Secretary has become a household name here- courtesy the just concluded crucial District Development Council elections, which witnessed massive political activity across the Union Territory.
Born on May 3, 1973 in a middle class family of Amritsar district in Punjab, Tarun Chugh grew up in a culture that instilled in him the values of generosity, compassion, social service and above all patriotism. Right from his childhood, he was confronted with many odds and obstacles, but he transformed challenges into opportunities by sheer strength of character and courage. He joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a socio-cultural organisation with focus on social and cultural development of India and imbibed the spirit of selflessness, social responsibility, dedication and nationalism.
Till 1989, Chugh served as Ghat Nayak, Mukhay Shikshak and Karyavah in Vidyarthi Shiksha Collage. He entered mainstream politics in 1994. He gave his best as District Secretary and State Executive Member of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and played a prominent role after joining the Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM). Same year, he was selected as District President of BJYM. Within two years, Chug was elevated to the level of General Secretary and National Executive Member of BJYM Punjab.

On November 13, 2020, Tarun Chugh was appointed as in-charge of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and Telangana. The new assignment began with hectic political activity in the new Union Territory. The elections to District Development Councils are first democratic exercise, which he supervised for the BJP by putting in best leadership skills. Immediately after the conclusion of crucial 8-phase polling, Tarun Chugh exclusively spoke to STATE TIMES.
Here are the excerpts on the interview with Tarun Chugh, who is seen as ‘man of action’ in this part of the country:
Q: There has been hectic electioneering and huge participation of voters in DDC polls, the first democratic exercise after Jammu and Kashmir became the Union Territory post abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35-A in J&K. Do you see voter participation in these elections as negation of Gupkar Alliance?
A: Gupkar Gang is a negative narrative based on ISI-sponsored agenda. It has come out of a defeatist idea. For the past 70 years, the functionaries of the now Gupkar Gang have exploited in different guises the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their vested interest. Be it the Abdullahs or the Muftis, the dynasts have filled their own coffers by exploiting the people. They have shamelessly taken turns to loot J&K and promote ISI-guided violence. The impressive turn-out of voters indicates that the people want fresh air to come in. They are sick of Gupkaris. They want development which Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has already announced and initiated across Jammu and Kashmir in a big way.
Q: What are BJP’s new plans for new J&K? Now after DDC polls what next? Any plan for assembly polls?
A: The BJP believes in holistic development of Jammu and Kashmir. We are committed to improve various services with thrust on the health and education sectors. To BJP is tirelessly striving to bestow women their rights that the Gupkar Gang did not give. The BJP wants J&K to compete with other states of the country, which are economically in the forefront. The BJP wants J&K youth, both boys and girls, to excel in higher and professional education besides making mark by topping the IIT and other exams. The BJP wants best of cricketers from J&K to join the national team. The BJP wants J&K to say good-bye to the alien culture of violence and become shining example of growth and development for the entire nation.
Q: We have seen huge response, especially in the Kashmir Valley during the Army and other para military forces recruitment drives, Youth here is talented but very less opportunities are available to them. Any plans to open up higher educational institutions in J&K so that our youth can compete at national and international level?
A: Of course, yes. The BJP wants J&K to become a hub of education with best of IIM, IIT and medical institutions of national repute. J&K is crown of India and the BJP wants that the best of educational and professional institutes come up here. J&K has lot of talent which the ISI-sponsored violence has not allowed to come up. The BJP wants to turn the tables.
Q: People had high hopes that Jammu will be developed into a Smart City but these haves shattered due to casual approach of authorities; no accountability is there. Will the Centre be strict on this issue?
A: All administrative matters would be properly addressed. The BJP will make sure that the people of J&K traverse on the path of massive development and progress, which the Gupkar Gang in different manifestations has deprived them for more than 70 years in the name of bullets and guns.
Q: You have visited almost all the places in J&K; what are your observations and how the BJP is going to tackle the demands of locals?
A: I have observed deep yearning among people for development. They want peace and progress. They want all service sectors to flourish to meet their urges and aspirations. They want credible health care and quality educational system. They have pinned many hopes with the developmental schemes and various welfare programmes launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These schemes have become very popular among people. There is deep urge among various segments of the society, especially women and Gujjars to have a fair deal for their empowerment. They have been exploited by denying them their rights and this should stop forthwith. Moreover, people want to get rid of the misleading and disruptive propaganda of Gupkar Gang.
Q: Will the Centre take action against corrupt BJP leaders? Names of some BJP leaders have surfaced in Roshni Land Scam: what is your take on this?
A: It’s a political propaganda against the BJP to malign party workers. Roshni Land Scandal has exposed what the Abdullah and son have been doing. It’s just tip of iceberg. Many more such cases will come to light shortly.