Nadda Rules Out LoC Trade, Dialogue with Pakistan, Blames Congress for Pushing Divisive Politics
Jammu, Oct.4: Union Minister of Health, Chemicals & Fertilizers, and BJP National President, J.P. Nadda, firmly ruled out any possibility of resuming Line of Control (LoC) trade or engaging in dialogue with Pakistan, citing national security concerns. Speaking at an Abhinandan rally in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, Nadda accused the Congress party of aligning with the National Conference (NC) in the Jammu & Kashmir elections with the objective of restoring Article 370, which was revoked by the Narendra Modi government in 2019. He emphasized that Article 370 was the root cause of separatism in Jammu & Kashmir and praised the Modi government for transforming the situation in the region after its abrogation.
Nadda sharply criticized Congress for allegedly advocating for talks with Pakistan and resuming cross-border trade. He said, “Resuming LoC trade and dialogue with Pakistan is not feasible. Pakistan continues to send armed terrorists into Jammu & Kashmir, and if LoC trade is allowed, arms and ammunition could be smuggled into the region, which we will not tolerate at any cost.” He commended the Modi government for adopting a tough stance on terrorism, highlighting the government’s actions to counter terror threats, including strikes inside Pakistan’s territory.
In his address, Nadda questioned whether the people of Jammu & Kashmir would support talks with a country actively involved in sending terrorists across the border. He asserted that the Congress party was responsible for promoting divisive politics, rooted in casteism, regionalism, corruption, extremism, and criminality. “Congress divides people based on caste, region, and religion for its political gains,” Nadda remarked, further contrasting this with the BJP’s focus on accountability and national interest.
Nadda also targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, criticizing his recent statements made during a visit to the United States. He accused Gandhi of tarnishing India’s image by raising internal issues on foreign soil, and falsely claiming that the Congress party would abolish reservations. “As long as Narendra Modi and the BJP are in power, no one will be allowed to tamper with reservations,” Nadda reassured, accusing the Congress of fueling extremism for its own agenda.
Highlighting the BJP’s achievements, Nadda emphasized the Modi government’s commitment to development and its focus on inclusive growth. He praised the administration for launching numerous welfare schemes, such as the Ujjwala Yojana, which provides free gas cylinders to the poor, and Ayushman Bharat, which offers Rs. 5 lakh in health insurance annually to individuals over 70 years of age. He underscored how 25 crore people were lifted above the poverty line under Modi’s rule, attributing these successes to the BJP’s principle of “justice for all, appeasement to none.”
Nadda also lauded India’s growing economic prowess, noting that the country, which was the 11th-largest global economy in 2014, has now risen to the fifth position and is on track to become the third-largest in the world. Despite global economic challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war, India’s economy continues to grow at a rate of 6.8%, the highest in the world. He further highlighted India’s advancements in manufacturing, noting that the country has become the second-largest producer of steel and is now a major player in electronics manufacturing, even producing Apple iPhones domestically.
Addressing the crowd, Nadda praised Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and the bright future that awaits both India and Himachal Pradesh under his guidance. He commended the establishment of medical colleges and super-specialty hospitals in the region and emphasized the BJP’s commitment to creating a secure and prosperous future for all Indians.
Nadda expressed his gratitude to the people for their continued support, highlighting the party’s growing influence across the country, including in states like Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, where the BJP has gained power for the first time. He reassured the public that the BJP remains committed to the development and progress of the nation, with a focus on building a secure future for future generations. The rally was also attended by other senior BJP leaders, including former Minister and MP Anurag Thakur.