Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ram Madhav, who was recently appointed the party’s election in-charge of Jammu & Kashmir, on Wednesday (September 4, 2024) lashed out at the National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and urged voters “to keep those political forces away who fostered militancy in Kashmir”.
“Power should not go into the hands of those who brought militancy to Kashmir. It should not go in the hands of those vying to bring back Article 370, to suppress and rule over you. Those who established peace should be elected,” said Mr. Madhav who accompanied BJP candidate Engineer Aijaz Hussain as the latter filed nomination papers from the Lal Chowk constituency.
Also Read: The past shaping the 2024 J&K Assembly elections
Referring to recent reports of former separatists joining the regional mainstream parties, Mr. Madhav said, “It’s up to the people whether they want to revive terrorism in J&K or continue with the peace.”
He alleged that former militants are campaigning for the PDP and the NC. “We have full faith that a new leadership will emerge in J&K. Those who want peace, who do not support terrorism and who want development, such parties and leaders will emerge in the Kashmir valley. The BJP will bring peace, harmony and development to Jammu,” he said.
Fielding a candidate from Srinagar’s commercial hub Lal Chowk is a symbolic move by the party, which did not field any candidate during the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year from the Kashmir valley. “The BJP will start its winning streak from Lal Chowk. People should ensure the victory of our candidate,” Mr. Madhav said.
The leader said J&K was set to “to see a BJP government for the first time in its history”. He said the party is “hoping to get 45 seats (out of 90 seats)“. “The BJP is likely to get 35 seats in Jammu and 10 in Kashmir. It will be a message to those who ruined J&K for years,” he added.
Published - September 04, 2024 01:21 pm IST
