Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a scathing critique of the National Conference (NC)-Congress alliance during a recent rally in Jammu, accusing the coalition of seeking to destabilize Jammu and Kashmir by advocating for the release of separatists and those sympathetic to terrorism. His comments come on the eve of the region’s crucial Assembly elections, underscoring the high-stakes nature of the contest.
Shah’s remarks paint the NC-Congress alliance as a dangerous force that aims to reignite terrorism in the region. “The NC and Congress want to release stone pelters and allow terrorism to flourish in Rajouri and Poonch,” Shah charged, suggesting that their policies would only exacerbate instability. He also criticized the alliance for wanting to resume cross-Line of Control (LoC) trade, questioning who would benefit from such measures.
Emphasizing a stark contrast, Shah positioned the BJP as the guardian against terrorism and a protector of Jammu and Kashmir’s stability. He asserted that under BJP governance, there would be no revival of terrorism and no discussion of autonomy for the region, which he claimed had been misappropriated by “three families” over the years.
In a direct counter to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s promises of restoring statehood, Shah dismissed these assurances as misleading, questioning Gandhi’s authority to effect such changes. Shah reiterated that statehood would be reconsidered only “at an appropriate time after the elections,” and criticized the opposition for allegedly plotting to rename Shankaracharya Hill and undermine the reservations of various communities, promising to thwart these efforts.
The upcoming Assembly elections, set for September 18, September 25, and October 1, with results to be counted on October 8, will determine the future political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. Shah’s rhetoric reflects the intense political maneuvering and deep-seated divisions as the BJP seeks to consolidate its position while challenging the opposition’s claims and intentions.
