The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a strong critique of the National Conference (NC) on Sunday, rejecting its call for discussions with Pakistan and urging the party to concentrate on addressing local issues in Jammu and Kashmir instead.
The BJP’s response followed the NC’s inclusion of talks with Pakistan in its recent manifesto.
Sh. Ravinder Raina, President of the J&K BJP, addressed the media at a press conference at Hotel Ritz, asserting that discussions with Pakistan or any foreign nation are the sole responsibility of the central government. He emphasised that the NC has no authority to dictate such matters.
Raina challenged the NC to focus on engaging with the people of J&K, listening to their concerns, and working towards solutions rather than meddling in foreign policy, which is reserved for the Prime Minister and the central administration.
He questioned whether the NC could guarantee that talks with Pakistan would prevent further violence and loss of innocent lives in J&K, suggesting that their approach could have dire consequences.
Raina also predicted a significant defeat for opposition alliances, including the Gupkar Declaration and INDI, in the forthcoming Assembly elections, similar to their poor performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections.
Highlighting the achievements of the BJP-led government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Raina noted the considerable progress and peace established in J&K over the past decade. He praised the Modi administration for delivering justice to various communities, including the Gorkhas, Valmiki Samaj, Giddis, Sippies, Paharis, and refugees from West Pakistan.
Raina concluded by asserting that the BJP enjoys substantial support across J&K and is poised for a decisive victory in the upcoming Assembly elections.
The press conference also featured Union Minister and J&K Election Incharge Sh. G Krishna Reddy, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, MP Sh. Jugal Kishore Sharma, former Deputy Chief Ministers Sh. Kavinder Gupta and Dr Nirmal Singh, and BJP Media Incharge Dr Pardeep Mahotra.
