In J&K, BJP to focus on local issues

Neither have we given up abrogation of Article 370 nor sidelined it: Shahnawaz

In a bid to avoid a controversy during the ongoing process of elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday said that although the abrogation of Article 370 that accorded special status to Jammu and Kashmir was “close to its heart,” the priority in this election was to focus on the issues of corruption, dynastic rule and “integrated development” of the State.

“Neither have we given up the issue of abrogation of Article 370 nor sidelined it, but in this Assembly election our priority is to highlight the corruption and dynastic rule of a couple of families in the State. The integration of the country is important,” said party spokesman Shahnawaz Hussain at a press conference here.

BJP president Amit Shah elaborated the issue in an election rally in Ramban. He said this election was crucial as it was only the BJP that could bring about complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country.

Mr. Hussain, who had just returned after campaigning in the State, claimed that people were enthusiastic about the BJP’s promise of development and bringing the State in the mainstream.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address election rallies in Kishtwar, Udhampur and Poonch while Home Minister Rajnath Singh held a public meeting in Leh on Thursday.

The BJP has set for itself Mission-44 on the lines of Mission 272 in the Lok Sabha election to win enough seats to form the government.

The first phase of the five-phase polling will be held on November 25.