Congress, National Conference and PDP turned a blind eye to terrorism: Amit Shah

JAMMU, 7 Sept: Hon’ble Union Home Minister & Minister of Cooperation and senior BJP leader Amit Shah addressed Karyakarta Sammelan in Palaura, Jammu, on Saturday and criticized the Congress and National Conference for their corruption, anti-development stance, and support for terrorism. He highlighted the achievements of the NDA government and stated that no matter how hard Rahul Gandhi tries, the Bharatiya Janata Party will not allow anyone to take away the rights and reservations granted to the people of the state and women. During the event, BJP’s Jammu and Kashmir Assembly candidates, Jammu and Kashmir election in-charge Shri G Kishan Reddy, Shri Tarun Chugh, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, MP Shri Jugal Kishore and other senior BJP leaders were present on stage.

Shri Shah stated that all BJP candidates have placed their trust in the people of their constituencies and are contesting the elections under the ‘Lotus’ symbol. The opposition should not only be defeated but that people should ensure they lose their deposits as well. RevereDr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who sacrificed his life for Kashmir, is deeply respected. The movement Praja Parishad, which was led by Pandit Premnath Dogra, eventually culminated in the abrogation of Article 370 by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji on August 5, 2019. It is a coincidence that BJP’s first election conference is being held on Ganesh Chaturthi. We all believe that Bhagwan Ganesh removes obstacles from the journey, making it an auspicious start.

Hon’ble Union Home Minister & Minister of Cooperation remarked that BJP’s immense strength is clearly visible and beyond words. Karyakartas from just 13 assembly seats filled the venue, with a massive crowd gathered outside as well. This upcoming election is truly historic. For the first time since India’s independence, voters in Jammu and Kashmir will cast their votes under one flag, with one constitution drafted by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, and one Prime Minister elected by the entire nation—our beloved Shri Narendra Modi Ji.

Shri Shah stated that this election is taking place for the first time without the shadow of Article 370, and we’ve already seen its impact during the Lok Sabha elections. In the past, even a 10% voter turnout in Lok Sabha elections in the valley was seen as an achievement. This time without hesitation or hindrance, a record 58.47% voter turnout was registered in the recent Lok Sabha elections, marking a significant victory for democracy. There are many speculations in the media, but let it be clear that the BJP will contest this election with full might and will emerge victorious, without a doubt. The Modi government has done significant developmental work in the past 10 years. The BJP’s basic unit is its karyakartas, and the party’s biggest strength is its Booth Presidents, not any leader. When booth karyakartas start chanting ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai,’ many opponents have left their grounds. This time, Jammu’s booth karyakartas must go door to door and spread the word about the positive changes in Jammu.

Union Home Minister stated that for 70 years, people had to fight for their development and rights, pleading and struggling through agitations, including for months for the Baba Amarnath Yatra. But now, the day has come when the people of Jammu no longer need to ask or hold any agitations. Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji is fulfilling every wish of the people. Record numbers of pilgrims have visited Jammu and Kashmir for Baba Amarnath Yatra without fear. This influx has significantly transformed and boosted the region’s tourism. Every BJP karyakarta must ensure that every vote is cast at the voting booth by 7 PM on election day, leaving no vote unaccounted for. Every BJP karyakarta should bring their family and three additional families to the polling booth before 11:30 AM and ensure they vote for the “Lotus” symbol. If every BJP karyakarta ensures this, no one can defeat the BJP in this election.

Shri Shah stated that the decision of who will form the next government will now be made by the people of Jammu. We have to go door-to-door to raise awareness about the divisive agendas of the National Conference and Congress. I held a press conference to expose their tactics. But today, I stand before you because I trust you more than the media. I share your community, and I have also served as a booth president. National Conference and Congress are attempting to reintroduce Article 370 and undermine the reservations for Gujjars, Bakarwals, Paharis, OBCs, and Dalits. Rahul Gandhi must understand that these reservations are protected and cannot be altered. Since the abrogation of Article 370, women in Jammu and Kashmir have gained rights they were denied for 70 years, yet the National Conference and Congress seek to take those rights away. They also aim to release individuals involved in stone-pelting and terrorism, threatening the peace that the Jammu region now enjoys.

Shri Amit Shah highlighted that, when Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s government took office, those who funded terrorism were sent to jail. In contrast, National Conference and Congress are discussing restarting LOC trade, which would directly benefit terrorism. They talk about negotiations with Pakistan, but let it be clear: there will be no talks until there is peace. They also want to rename Shankaracharya Hill as ‘Takh-e-Suleman’. Congress, NC’s Abdullah family, and PDP’s Mufti family have looted crores of rupees. They claim they will restore the old system. Autonomy talks have devastated Jammu and Kashmir, with 40,000 lives lost in the valley. Today, I say that no one has the power to discuss autonomy.

Hon’ble Union Home Minister & Minister of Cooperation questioned Rahul Gandhi and Farooq Abdullah on how they plan to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s state status. Only the central government can grant statehood, why are they deceiving the people of Jammu and Kashmir? This responsibility can only be fulfilled by the central government and the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. The central government will restore Jammu and Kashmir’s status as a state, as announced in Parliament after the elections. Congress and the National Conference are demanding something that the BJP has already pledged in Parliament.

Shri Shah stated that the Modi government has addressed the long-standing reservation demands of the Gurjars, Paharis, and backward communities. The NC, Congress, and PDP seek to revoke this reservation, and only the Bharatiya Janata Party can safeguard it. Kashmir suffered from terrorism for many years. There were governments in Kashmir that ignored the issue of terrorism, and some individuals would take on the role of Chief Minister during peaceful times but go back to Delhi when terrorism escalated. Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji during his ten-year tenure, terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir have been reduced by up to 70 percent.

Union Home Minister highlighted that after many years, the Amarnath Yatra was conducted safely, with 5 lakhs people visiting the shrine. Late-night theater began in the valley, processions like the Tajiya were held, and many other pilgrimages in Jammu and Kashmir concluded peacefully. If a government formed by Congress, PDP, or NC comes to power, terrorism would also resurface. The people of Jammu and Kashmir need to decide whether they want to continue facing terrorism or embrace peace, stability, and development. If the NC comes to power, terrorism will return; however, under the BJP, no one will be able to spread terrorism in the region.

Shri Shah emphasized that the BJP successfully conducted the Panchayat elections, which had been blocked by three families. Furthermore, the BJP has launched development projects in Jammu with an investment exceeding ₹32,000 crore. It is also under the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji that Jammu and Kashmir has been granted AIIMS, IITs and IIMs. Numerous colleges have been established and with an investment of ₹25,200 crore, hydropower projects generating over 3,000 megawatts will be implemented. This will generate revenue for the development of Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP has improved the electricity infrastructure in Jammu and undertaken numerous development projects.

Hon’ble Union Home Minister & Minister of Cooperation stated that these three families want to plunge Jammu and Kashmir into the fires of terrorism again. If BJP karyakarta in Jammu can surpass the formula of ‘Ek Karyakarta, Char Parivar,’ the Bharatiya Janata Party will work to protect Jammu from terrorism permanently. Rumors are circulating that an NC government is about to form in Jammu and Kashmir, but neither an NC nor a Congress government will ever come to power there. These are the same people who, after the merger of Jammu and Kashmir, expelled Maharaja Hari Singh from Jammu and prevented his return. For years, they did not observe a holiday for Maharaja Hari Singh’s birth anniversary. In contrast, the Bharatiya Janata Party has honored Hari Singh, who was instrumental in Jammu and Kashmir’s merger with India, by declaring it a holiday.

Shri Shah pointed out that Congress, NC, and PDP have been so corrupt that their corruption is equivalent to the corruption seen across the entire country. If such a significant amount of money had been invested in the development of Jammu and Kashmir, there would be no work left to be done in the state today. The BJP has announced that under the ‘Maa Samman Yojana,’ the senior-most woman in each household will receive ₹18,000 annually for her livelihood. Beneficiaries of the Ujjwala Yojana will be provided with two free LPG cylinders each year. In line with Jammu and Kashmir’s reservation policy, Agniveers from the state will be given priority without impacting the general quota.

Hon’ble Union Home Minister & Minister of Cooperation stated that the ₹6,000 provided by the Hon’ble Prime Minister to each farmer will be supplemented with an additional ₹4,000 from the state. Tourism in the state will be developed, and the electricity rates for agricultural activities will be reduced by 50 percent. Metro services will be launched in both Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, 1,000 temples that have fallen into disrepair will be renovated, and the Bharatiya Janata Party government will ensure continuous worship at these sites. The Bharatiya Janata Party is committed to the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir. Whenever the people of the valley entrusted power to Farooq Abdullah and his family, they would often go to England. The youth of the valley suffered due to terrorism. BJP urges the people not to elect Congress or the National Conference again, as their agenda would be to reintroduce terrorism to Kashmir and halt the ongoing development.

Shri Shah stated that Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji has worked to restore the honor of Jammu. Shri Amit Shah urged BJP karyakartas to inform the public about Congress and National Conference’s agenda to once again plunge Jammu and Kashmir into misery and terror until the date of voting. Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah appealed for the support of BJP candidates to secure a decisive victory and form a BJP government with a strong majority, ensuring the continuation of development in the state.