Palli: The Congress on Sunday claimed the people of Jammu and Kashmir were disappointed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech as it did not have any mention of statehood or assembly polls, while the BJP said it reflected the government’s commitment to the union territory’s overall development.
“He did not mention a word about restoration of statehood and possibility of holding early assembly elections. Jammu and Kashmir is going to complete four years under governor’s rule in June after the last elected government collapsed in 2018,” the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) said in a statement.
“The BJP has developed vested interest in running a proxy government in Jammu and Kashmir…Modi has disappointed the people of Jammu and Kashmir by not uttering a word about restoration of statehood and holding of early assembly elections,” the JKPCC said.
The prime minister was expected to address the aspirations of people of all sections, who are seeking restoration of full statehood and early restoration of a democratically elected government, it said.
But the speech has proved that the BJP does not “bother about the people’s aspirations and hardships under the bureaucratic regime, not accountable to the people,” the JKPCC alleged.
“The BJP is running a proxy government through the lieutenant governor’s administration and is delaying assembly elections on one pretext or the other,” it said.
However, BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh, who was among the BJP leaders who attended the public meeting here, said Prime Minister Modi’s speech demonstrates his commitment to transform Jammu and Kashmir from the “terrorism capital to tourism hub of the world”.
“The prime minister laid foundation stones of projects worth over Rs 20,000 crore and his actions paved the way for an investment proposal of over Rs 35,000 crore from the previous total of Rs 17,000 crore in seven decades,” he said.
“Jammu and Kashmir is on a path of a new dawn and his speech is a testimony for the overall development of both Jammu and Kashmir regions,” Chugh told reporters at the end of the function.
Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina said the region is on the path of unprecedented development under Modi’s leadership.
“Modi’s speech is a reflection of the BJP’s commitment to overall development and restoration of peace and dignity in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, urging party members to work hard to reach out to the people to solve their problems.
Former legislator Devender Singh Rana said Jammu and Kashmir is on the road of transformation with avenues of progress and prosperity.
Meanwhile, Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari has appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promise that he will bring prosperity to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
In his message to youth of J&K, Prime Minister said that they will not see the miseries that their parents and grandparents have seen in the past.
Bukhari while appreciating Prime Minister’s assurance said that he hopes the follow-up initiatives would be taken to realize PM’s commitment to the youth.
He said, “Prime Minister’s words about the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are heart-warming. And, I am sure his commitment will be fulfilled with the required steps immediately.”
Bukhari further said that the young population of UT is presently grappling with problems like unemployment and an inadequate environment in terms of job opportunities. The government must take the needed initiatives to ensure new opportunities are thrown open for the people of J&K, especially the youth.
