Katra, 04-04-2024 : In a large elections rally held in Katra, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference president, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, expressed grave concerns over the alleged attempts by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to foster communal divisions in the country for the sake of electoral gains. Dr. Abdullah, addressing the gathering alongside AICC Incharge of Jammu and Kashmir affairs Bharatsinh Solanki and Congress candidate Raman Bhalla, emphasized the importance of unity among parties to safeguard the nation’s secular character and democratic values against what he described as BJP’s authoritarian tendencies.
Dr. Abdullah praised the visionary leadership of Pandit Nehru and Indira Gandhi, condemning the BJP’s disparagement of their contributions to nation-building. He highlighted Nehru’s foundational role in establishing a scientific approach that has propelled India’s progress across various domains, while also lauding Indira Gandhi’s transformative initiatives such as the green revolution. Dr. Abdullah criticized BJP’s governance in Jammu and Kashmir, accusing the party of marginalizing local officers in favor of outside bureaucrats who lack familiarity with the region’s unique challenges.
Moreover, Dr. Abdullah questioned the BJP’s fulfillment of promises made to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in regards to job creation. He alleged that BJP’s announcements often amounted to mere rhetoric, failing to translate into tangible benefits for the people. Bharatsinh Solanki echoed these sentiments, questioning the necessity for top BJP leaders like Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to campaign in Jammu if the government had genuinely delivered on its development promises over the past decade.
Solanki asserted that the previous UPA government, under Dr. Manmohan Singh’s leadership, prioritized the welfare of all citizens, with special attention to Jammu and Kashmir. In contrast, he accused the BJP of depriving the people of Jammu and Kashmir of their rights, dignity, and resources. Raman Bhalla, in his address, lambasted the BJP for what he perceived as the party’s neglect and exploitation of the youth and other vulnerable sections of society in Jammu and Kashmir.
He cited widespread disillusionment among various segments of the population due to perceived failures and broken promises by the BJP. Bhalla pledged to address local issues and uphold religious harmony in the region, urging voters to reject BJP’s divisive agenda for a brighter future. The rally saw the participation of prominent leaders from both the Congress and the National Conference, signaling a united front against what they view as BJP’s divisive politics and governance failures.