In a fiery address today, Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Sh. G. Kishan Reddy, and BJP’s In-Charge of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections, called ongoing assembly elections in J&K as “a movement for the people” as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continues its efforts to redefine the future of Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking to an energized crowd in support of party candidate from Jammu West Sh. Arvind Gupta, Sh. G. Kishan Reddy reaffirmed that J&K remains the heartbeat of India, and the party’s vision for its people reflects the legacy of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, who established the party with the aim to protect J&K from dynastic rule and divisive politics.
Sh. G. Kishan Reddy reminded the gathering of the BJP’s historic opposition to Article 370, dating back to the founding of the party. He paid homage to the sacrifices made by leaders like Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, who gave their lives for the cause of “Ek Nishan, Ek Vidhan, Ek Pradhan” (One Flag, One Constitution, One Head). He noted that the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 marked a turning point in the BJP’s long struggle to fully integrate Jammu and Kashmir into India, a cause the party kept alive in their manifestos for over 70 years.
The Union Minister emphasized that this election is the first after the historic abrogation of Article 370, signaling a new era for the people of J&K. “This is not just an election,” he said, “it’s a movement for the restoration of dignity for women, West Pakistani refugees, SCs, STs, and Valmiki Samaj, alongside all the people of Jammu and Kashmir.” He extended gratitude to Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Sh. Amit Shah for their unwavering resolve in implementing this historic decision.
Recalling Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi’s historic journey to unfurl the tricolor in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, Sh. G. Kishan Reddy highlighted the symbolic importance of today’s youth proudly carrying the Indian flag in rallies across Dal Lake. “The youth of Kashmir have shown their love for India and its unity,” he said, contrasting this positive shift with the resistance of opposition parties like Congress and the National Conference (NC), who Reddy claimed “are not liking the big change in Kashmir post-Article 370 abrogation.”
Sh. G. Kishan Reddy remarked that the world’s eyes are on J&K now, as India demonstrates how peace, development, and democracy are taking root in the region. He urged voters not to see this election as a mere political contest but as a crucial step in securing the rights and futures of all people in J&K. “This election is a movement aimed at ensuring that no party like NC, Congress, or PDP ever snatches back the rights of the common people in J&K,” he asserted.
Taking a strong stand against the NC’s recent announcements, Reddy warned of dangerous designs to revert to dual flags and return power to militants. He pointed out that the NC’s promises to restore trade across the Line of Control and their potential dialogue with militants and Pakistan could unravel the progress made since Article 370’s abrogation. “It is up to the people to see through this dangerous plan,” Sh. G. Kishan Reddy urged, highlighting that Congress is supporting the NC’s regressive policies.
Under BJP’s leadership, Sh. G. Kishan Reddy said, militancy in J&K is on its last legs, and the region is entering an era of peace and prosperity. “The tables have turned,” he claimed, “and we now see peace, prosperity, and development across the region thanks to Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi and Sh. Amit Shah’s leadership.” He also praised Modi for isolating Pakistan globally, stating that the rogue nation no longer has support from the international community due to its role in sponsoring terrorism.
Sh. G. Kishan Reddy credited Modi’s policies for turning Pakistan into a failed state, isolated from the world stage due to its continued support of terror. “While Pakistan struggles, India’s vision for J&K is moving forward with peace and progress,” Reddy noted. He criticized Congress for supporting NC’s regressive agenda, which, if allowed to prevail, would return J&K to a dark era of militancy and bloodshed.
The Minister pointed out the ongoing development in the region, citing the establishment of key institutions like IITs, AIIMS, and IIMs in J&K. Sh. G. Kishan Reddy criticized the Congress for opposing these advancements and aligning with the NC’s outdated vision. He referenced Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s statement of having a “blood relation” with the Abdullah family, implying that this closeness undermines the region’s progress.
Speaking on occasion party candidate Sh. Arvind Gupta in his remarks urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to vote for the BJP, which he described as the only party capable of ending the bloodshed and restoring lasting peace to the region. “These elections are an opportunity to end dynastic rule, restore democratic institutions, and bring lasting peace to the region,” he stated. He called on voters to put aside divisions of caste, creed, and religion and unite for a future that prioritizes development and stability.
Earlier, Sh. G. Kishan Reddy ended his address by calling for an end to the political dominance of families like the Abdullahs and Muftis. “The people of J&K deserve a government that will strengthen Panchayati Raj institutions and local bodies like Municipal Committees and Corporations,” he concluded, asking the people to vote for change and prosperity over the dynastic politics that have defined the region for decades.
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