Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has sharply criticized the Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. He emphasized that this alliance, which he claims has thrived on division and hatred, has lost its relevance as the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir evolves. CM Yogi highlighted the BJP’s commitment to national unity, contrasting it with the agenda of the Congress-NC coalition.
The Stain of Article 370: A Core Concern
During a media interaction, CM Yogi Adityanath underscored the significance of the BJP’s efforts to remove Article 370 and 35A from Jammu and Kashmir. These articles, which granted special status to the region, were abolished under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a move that the BJP has framed as a vital step towards integrating Jammu and Kashmir fully into India. CM Yogi pointed out that the upcoming assembly elections are crucial, not only for the people of Jammu and Kashmir but for every Indian who values democracy.
Congress-NC Alliance: A Threat to National Security?
The Chief Minister expressed serious concerns about the National Conference’s recently released manifesto, which he believes poses a threat to India’s unity and national security. He questioned the Congress party’s alignment with NC, suggesting that it raises significant doubts about their commitment to the nation’s well-being. CM Yogi urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to clarify his stance on several key issues, particularly the NC’s promise to reinstate a separate flag for Jammu and Kashmir, a move seen as divisive.
Rahul Gandhi’s Silence on Critical Issues
CM Yogi took Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to task, questioning whether he and his party support the NC’s promise to bring back Article 370 and 35A. He argued that such actions would plunge Jammu and Kashmir back into an era of unrest and terrorism, undoing the progress made in recent years. CM Yogi further accused the Congress-NC alliance of potentially supporting separatist forces by advocating for dialogue with Pakistan, a nation that has been linked to promoting terrorism in the region.
The Impact of Restoring Terrorist Sympathizers
In his sharp critique, CM Yogi also questioned whether the Congress supports the NC’s proposed policies, which could see the reinstatement of individuals involved in terrorism and stone-pelting incidents to government jobs. This, he argued, would not only undermine national security but also demoralize the security forces that have worked tirelessly to restore peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
Anti-Reservation Allegations Against Congress-NC Alliance
Another significant point of contention raised by CM Yogi is the alleged anti-reservation stance of the Congress-NC alliance. He accused them of intending to roll back reservations for Dalits, Gujjars, Bakarwals, and Paharis, communities that have historically been marginalized. CM Yogi’s remarks indicate a strong stance against any attempt to reverse the gains made in social justice for these groups.
Cultural and Religious Concerns
The Chief Minister also touched upon the cultural and religious aspects of the Congress-NC alliance’s policies. He questioned whether Congress supports renaming significant religious sites in Jammu and Kashmir, such as ‘Shankaracharya Parvat’ to ‘Takht-e-Suliman’ and ‘Hari Parvat’ to ‘Koh-e-Maran’. These changes, according to CM Yogi, would signify a shift towards appeasing specific groups at the expense of others, potentially leading to further division within the region.
A Stark Contrast in Vision for Jammu and Kashmir
CM Yogi Adityanath contrasted the BJP’s vision for Jammu and Kashmir with that of the Congress-NC alliance. He highlighted the BJP’s focus on development, employment, and national integration, arguing that the region’s youth have been offered opportunities for growth under PM Modi’s leadership. In contrast, he claimed that the Congress-NC alliance has historically misled the youth, turning them into tools for separatist agendas.
The BJP’s Commitment to a United and Prosperous Jammu and Kashmir
Concluding his remarks, CM Yogi emphasized that the political ground that once supported divisive forces in Jammu and Kashmir has become barren. He credited the BJP’s policies, particularly the abolition of Article 370, for transforming the region’s atmosphere. Today, the focus is on development and peace, not terrorism and division. CM Yogi urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and the nation as a whole, to question the Congress-NC alliance’s motives and to support a vision that aligns with national unity and prosperity.
A Call for Clarity and Accountability
As the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections approach, CM Yogi’s pointed questions and critiques highlight the need for clarity and accountability from political parties. The Congress-NC alliance faces increasing scrutiny over its intentions and policies, particularly concerning national security and social justice. In this crucial election, CM Yogi’s statements reflect the BJP’s determination to secure a unified and peaceful future for Jammu and Kashmir, free from the shadows of terrorism and division.
