Centre Will Address J&K Statehood Demand at the Right Time, Says Union Minister Reddy
HYDERABAD, Oct 11: Union Minister G Kishan Reddy stated on Friday that the central government would address the demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood at an appropriate time. During an informal interaction with the media, Reddy firmly reiterated that the abrogation of Article 370 is permanent and there is no question of its return to Jammu and Kashmir.
Responding to questions regarding the National Conference’s call for the restoration of statehood, Reddy, who has been the BJP’s in-charge for Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasized that the Centre’s approach is focused on ensuring stability and development in the region. He highlighted that the recent elections in the Union Territory were conducted smoothly without any need for a re-poll, reflecting the success of the central government’s efforts to create a peaceful environment.
Reddy commended the BJP’s performance in the elections, noting that the party secured more seats compared to previous polls, which he described as a ‘creditworthy’ achievement. He compared the voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir to that of Hyderabad, pointing out that the turnout in J&K was significantly higher than Hyderabad’s Assembly elections, which saw only around 50 percent voter participation. This, he claimed, demonstrated the growing confidence of the people in the democratic process under BJP’s administration.
He also noted that the District Development Council (DDC) and Block Development Council (BDC) elections in Jammu and Kashmir were conducted successfully, further affirming the region’s progress under the Centre’s governance. These elections, according to Reddy, marked crucial steps toward empowering local governance structures and ensuring grassroots development in the Union Territory.
Expressing optimism about the BJP’s future prospects, Reddy voiced confidence that the party would also secure victory in the upcoming Assembly elections in Jharkhand, reinforcing the party’s growing influence across the country.
Switching focus to Telangana, Reddy criticized the state government’s ongoing efforts related to the rejuvenation of the Musi river and the demolition of illegal structures in Hyderabad. He opposed the demolition of houses belonging to the poor, stressing that any measures taken should prioritize the welfare of marginalized communities and ensure that their livelihoods are not adversely affected by such actions.
