Rahul Gandhi can roam around Kashmir because of PM Modi: Union Minister Jitendra Singh

Udhampur (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], September 7 (ANI): Noting that the security situation in the Kashmir valley has improved after Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was able to roam around the valley because of PM Modi.

“It is because of PM Modi, that Rahul Gandhi is free to roam around and enjoy his time in Kashmir. When they were in the centre and the state, they never dared to come out of their security blanket. It is PM Modi who has ensured their ‘Azadi’ and security,” Singh told reporters here.

Earlier in the day, launching a scathing attack on Congress and the National Conference’s manifesto, Union Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah said that the Congress-NC alliance wanted 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.

Stating the BJP’s 10 agendas for elections, Shah said, “Congress and NC want to bring back two flags, article in Jammu and Kashmir, will you? They want to snatch the reservation of Gujjars, Bakarwal, Paharis and Dalits. I want to tell one thing to Rahul Gandhi: no matter how much effort you put in, we will not let the reservation of Gujjars, Bakarwal, Paharis and Dalits be touched. Abrogation of Article 370 has given rights to women, will you let them snatch their rights? They want to release the criminals wrapped up in terrorism, but we won’t let them spread terrorism in Jammu, Poonch, Rajouri, and Doda. They say we will restart LoC trade, but who will benefit from it? Their profit will be used in spreading terrorism. They want to talk to Pakistan but I want to say that till there is no peace, there will be no talks with Pakistan.”

Shah on Friday released the Bhartiya Janata Party’s manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. The BJP has made 25 promises, focussing on women, youths, Kashmiri Pandits, restoring temples and wiping out terrorism. 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.