“No bigger injustice done to any state”: Congress’ Pawan Khera targets BJP over J&K statehood

New Delhi [India], September 8 (ANI): Targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party over changing the status of Jammu and Kashmir, from a full-fledged state to a Union Territory by abrogating Article 370, Congress leader Pawan Khera said on Sunday that no “bigger injustice” has been done to any state in the country.

“There are many questions. The biggest question, which the Congress Party and many parties have been raising, is that you (BJP) took away the status of a full state from a state and made it a Union Territory. No bigger injustice has been done to any state in this country,” he said.

In August 2019, the government of India abrogated Article 370, effectively ending Jammu and Kashmir J&K’s special status and reorganising into two Union Territories (UTs) — Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Earlier in the day, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, accused the BJP of ‘defaming’ the NC and said that the country belongs to all its citizens, including Muslims. He further stated that those questioning Muslims should be reminded about their significant contributions and sacrifices for the country’s independence.

“BJP will do everything possible to defame the National Conference, but we will win and change the fate of the people,” said the National Conference chief.

“The BJP says if the National Conference and Congress come to power, terrorism will start again. I ask them, when they abolished Article 370, did terrorism end? The National Conference and Congress will ensure that we get our statehood back,” Abdullah added.

Earlier on Saturday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a scathing attack on Congress and the National Conference’s manifesto, stating that the alliance wants to bring back the old system and start talks with Pakistan, but “till there is no peace, there will be no talks with Pakistan.”

Criticising the Congress and National Conference’s manifesto, Shah said that they want to “spread terrorism, snatch reservations of Gujjars, Bakarwal, Paharis and Dalits, release criminals and start LOC trade with Pakistan, in Jammu and Kashmir.”

Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls will be held in three phases on September 18, 25 and October 1.

There are a total number of 90 assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, out of which 7 seats are reserved for SCs and 9 seats are reserved for STs.

According to the Election Commission of India, Jammu and Kashmir has 88.06 lakh eligible electors. These are the first assembly elections to be held in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370.