‘Watershed Moment’: Ram Madhav Lauds Peaceful J&K Elections, Rejection of Separatism
JAMMU, Oct 7: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Election Incharge for Jammu and Kashmir and senior party leader, Ram Madhav, described the recently held Assembly elections as a “watershed moment” in the history of both Jammu and Kashmir and India. Addressing the BJP’s Election Management Committee meeting at the party headquarters, Madhav highlighted that the peaceful conduct and strong voter turnout demonstrated that democracy is now the sole path forward for the Union Territory. He emphasized that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have decisively rejected separatism and gun culture, isolating those who perpetuate violence and terrorism.
Madhav stated that the election results affirm that violence no longer has any support among the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “This election has proved beyond any doubt that violence cannot garner public support,” he added. The meeting was attended by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, BJP Co-Incharge J&K Ashish Sood, BJP President Ravinder Raina, Working President Sat Sharma, MP Jugal Kishore Sharma, former MPs Shamsher Singh Manhas, former Deputy Chief Ministers Dr. Nirmal Singh and Kavinder Gupta, BJP General Secretary (Org) Ashok Koul, and other senior party leaders and members of the election management team.
Madhav stressed that the focus is not on which party wins or loses but on the triumph of democracy itself. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government for this transformation in Kashmir, saying that the peaceful elections are a testament to the government’s efforts to restore democratic order. According to him, separatism now has no place in Kashmir, and the next government, regardless of its composition, must adopt a nationalist agenda.
He further noted that people who had lost faith in the democratic system due to undemocratic actions by previous governments have now regained their trust. The high voter turnout signals a renewed confidence in democracy, ensuring its stability in Jammu and Kashmir. Madhav expressed optimism, asserting that the Union Territory is on the path to progress and prosperity.
The BJP leader also highlighted the significance of voter participation, calling it a positive signal not only within Jammu and Kashmir but across India and globally. He praised the party’s organized and systematic campaign efforts, predicting favorable results for the BJP. Madhav commended the dedication of party activists, noting their tireless work in disseminating the party’s election manifesto and engaging with the public at the grassroots level.
BJP Co-Incharge Ashish Sood, speaking at the meeting, elaborated on the party’s unique approach to this year’s campaign, emphasizing the team spirit among party members and senior leaders. He narrated an incident where a party activist continued campaign work despite a personal loss, highlighting the dedication that makes the BJP stand apart.
The meeting also addressed statements from opposition parties regarding the BJP’s plans to nominate members to reserved Assembly seats. The party dismissed these claims, arguing that such practices were also followed by opposition parties when they were in power. The BJP cited precedents set by the National Conference (NC), Congress, and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in past Assembly sessions, where these parties nominated their own political activists to reserved seats for women.
The BJP urged opposition leaders to avoid making misleading statements and reminded them that the practice of filling reserved seats with party nominees had been long established by previous administrations.
