Historic Assembly Elections in Jammu and Kashmir Usher in Secular Governance

The upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are historic, marking the first since the region became secular, according to BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi. He stressed that these elections present a choice between nationalist and anti-national forces. Voters must decide between those advocating for peace and development and those promoting death and destruction, Trivedi told reporters.

Trivedi highlighted that these elections are the first in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370, resulting in a unified Constitution. He also noted that this is the first time Other Backward Classes (OBCs) have received reservation in the region. "These elections are significant as they are the first after Jammu and Kashmir became secular -- the first under one flag, and the first without incidents of stone pelting, ISIS and Pakistan flags, and hartals," he stated.

National Conference and Congress Alliance

The National Conference and Congress are contesting the elections together. Trivedi accused them of aiming to revive terrorism and separatism. He questioned Congress's intentions regarding the release of jailed individuals like Yasin Malik, Asiya Andrabi, or Shabir Shah. "The Congress must clarify who they intend to release from jails," he remarked.

Trivedi also criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his interactions abroad with individuals who do not recognise Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as part of India. "Rahul recently met with individuals in the US who consider PoK a part of Pakistan, contrary to the Indian Parliament's resolution that PoK is an integral part of India," he said. He added that as leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul has insulted both Parliament and his ancestors who were part of the Parliament that passed the resolution declaring PoK as an integral part of India.

Peace Restored in Kashmir

Referring to former Union home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde's remarks about fearing visits to Kashmir during Congress rule, Trivedi praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for restoring peace in the region post-Article 370 abrogation. He cited a record two crore tourists visiting Kashmir as evidence of this restored peace.

Trivedi also mentioned the resumption of Muharram processions in Kashmir after 33 years. He highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir now boasts two AIIMS and several prestigious professional and technical educational institutions.

After the 42nd amendment to the Indian Constitution, Jammu and Kashmir adopted a six-year term for its assembly but did not explicitly include the word secular in its constitution, Trivedi alleged. At that time, Jammu and Kashmir had its own constitution.

Trivedi concluded by reiterating that these elections are crucial for choosing between forces promising peace and those promoting violence.