Shadow Correspondent
Banihal, Sept 11:
In a fervent campaign for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) Er Gulam Ali Khatana urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to reject the National Conference (NC)-Congress alliance, accusing it of pushing the region into turmoil in the past.
Speaking at a series of meetings in Levra Chamalwas, Ajnadi, Khari, Amkoot, and Badigam Fagow in Banihal, Ramban, MP Khatana highlighted the importance of continuing the BJP’s journey of peace and progress initiated under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Addressing large gatherings in these areas, Khatana called on the masses to support BJP candidates in the upcoming elections, asserting that it is now the responsibility of the people to elect a government that will continue the region’s development. He stated, “It is the people of Jammu and Kashmir who must now elect their own government by voting for BJP candidates to keep the momentum of peace and progress going. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji has brought about tremendous changes in Jammu and Kashmir, and under the dynamic leadership of Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, the region is transforming into a model of peace and progress for the rest of the country.”
Khatana did not mince words when criticizing the past regimes led by the NC-Congress alliance, accusing them of misgovernance and fostering an environment of violence. “Nobody can undermine the changes that have taken place in J&K under Modi Ji’s leadership. The NC-Congress alliance, which ruled the region for decades, is responsible for terrorism, strikes, stone-pelting, and other issues that plagued the state under their patronage. These dynastic parties pushed Jammu and Kashmir into the depths of chaos, leaving thousands of children orphaned and thousands of women widowed,” he remarked.
The BJP leader accused the NC-Congress alliance of introducing a gun culture in Jammu and Kashmir, which, he said, devastated the futures of countless families. “They sacrificed the well-being of thousands of families for their own political gain,” he stated. In contrast, he praised Prime Minister Modi for offering hope to nationalist-minded citizens eager to contribute to nation-building. “The BJP has put pens, laptops, and quality education in the hands of your children, paving the way for a brighter future. I am proud that our people have chosen the path of progress under the visionary leadership of PM Modi,” he added.
Khatana also took a swipe at the internal contradictions within the NC-Congress alliance, calling it an alliance formed out of the lust for power rather than any genuine ideological convergence. “The NC and Congress are not united by any common cause. Their leaders have been at each other’s throats, they come together because they fear a humiliating defeat in the elections. This is not an alliance of principles but one of desperation,” he added.
Referring to former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah contesting from two constituencies, Khatana suggested that this was a sign of the alliance’s fear of losing credibility. “These elections are between the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the NC-Congress alliance. The fact that Omar Abdullah is contesting from two seats shows the fear within the alliance. They know their influence is waning,” he remarked.
Khatana appealed to the people to vote for the BJP and form their own government, saying, “It is time for the people of Jammu and Kashmir to come together and form their own government, a government led by the BJP. Let us continue the journey of peace, prosperity, and development.”
The campaign trail in Banihal, which has traditionally seen a strong presence of the NC-Congress alliance, witnessed enthusiastic support for Khatana as he championed the BJP’s narrative of progress and stability, with many locals expressing hope for a brighter future under the Modi-led government.
The MP was accompanied by Haji Yousef, Ajaj Ahmed Sohail, Sarpanch Iqbal Katoch, Gulam Hussain, BJP ST Morcha district president, Muzzfar Ahmed Lone, Reyaz Ahmed Lone, Ab Rashid Dar, and other leaders.
