Cong-NC did not allow democracy to flourish’
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 12 : Union Minister in PMO with independent charge of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh today lambasted Opposition parties, accused them of undermining the revival of democracy in Kashmir and trying to thwart the region’s hard-won democratic resurgence.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
Speaking in an election media conclave here, Dr Jitendra Singh contrasted the current vibrant democratic participation with the period of stagnation and manipulation under previous administrations.
Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted how the democratic aspirations of Kashmiris, which had remained dormant for 30-40 years, have been reignited following the abrogation of Article 370 by Narendra Modi Government. He noted the remarkable 70-80% voter turnout in recent Block Development Council (BDC) elections, a significant improvement that matches the national average in Lok Sabha elections. Dr Jitendra Singh praised PM Modi for opening the gates of democracy in J&K which were dormant for decades.
In a pointed rebuttal to critics, Dr Jitendra Singh condemned those lamenting Kashmir’s state as having no substantive issues left. “The same individuals who once exploited Article 370 for personal gain, elected their own relatives, and secured merely 10-12% of the vote, are now decrying its abrogation. Their era is over,” he declared.
Calling present period a miserable time and earlier days as hey days, Dr Jitendra Singh said they were happy during that period because they were ruling the roost and had made the erstwhile State their fiefdom.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also referenced historical manipulations of electoral laws, criticising the Congress party for extending Assembly terms from five to six years in 1970 and then reversing the decision under Morarji Desai, a move that was never undone in Kashmir. This, he argued, underscores the previous administration’s disregard for true democratic principles.
Praising Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, Dr Jitendra Singh contrasted the current administration’s efforts with the previous regime’s failures. “Under Modi, Kashmir has seen a genuine transformation. The Modi Government has opened the gates to a vibrant democracy, breaking free from the abuses of Article 370 by the NC and PDP. The previous administration, led by Manmohan Singh, was more concerned with hosting Iftar parties than addressing real issues,” he said.
Dr Jitendra Singh accused the National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of perpetuating a cycle of political opportunism and disenfranchisement. “NC and PDP abused Article 370 to further their own agendas and vested interest. Islamabad gave directions and curfew was imposed in Srinagar, those days are gone now common people have empowered under PM Modi. For opposition their primary concern was maintaining their power, not fostering genuine democratic engagement,” he said.
He said opposition parties who crticise PM Modi for attending Ganesh Pooja at Chief Justice of India’s residence are bereft of issues. “What is harm in it?. Can’t anyone attend the religious or social function like marriage party etc at Chief Justice’s residence,” he asked?
Highlighting the Modi Government’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity, Dr Singh praised the Prime Minister for ensuring that governance benefits, including “Pucca” houses, are extended to all Kashmiris, irrespective of party affiliation, caste, creed or religion. “This stands in stark contrast to the selective and divisive approach of the previous administration,” he noted.
In a strong defence of the BJP’s principles, Dr Singh affirmed the party’s decision to exit its alliance with the PDP on ideological grounds. “We stand by our consistency and conviction. Our manifesto, championed by Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, promised to abrogate Article 370, and we fulfilled that promise,” he asserted.
Dr Jitendra Singh’s comments underscored the BJP’s dedication to restoring democratic values in Kashmir and challenge the opposition’s credibility and commitment to meaningful democratic reform.
Accusing these parties of not allowing the grassroots democracy to flourish in Kashmir, he asked why the elections to Zila Parishads and Block Developmental Councils were not held in the J&K during their Congress-NC rule for seven long decades with the result the Central funds could not reach to Panchayats. It was during the last 10 years of Modi Government that elections to the basic institutes of democracy were held in J&K. Even the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments was not allowed to be implemented in the J&K during their rule despite the fact that the law was passed during Congress Government led by Rajiv Gandhi, he added.
Dr Jitendra Singh, while lashing out at BJP’s critics on abrogation of Article 370 said those who were most vociferous advocates of Article 370 were most abusers of it.
He said it is for the first time that this Assembly is now constituted for five years after a gap of 50 years and he wanted to know what change it would have made for a common Kashmiri by extending term of Assembly to six years as it would not affect the identity of any Kashmiri.
Dr Jitendra Singh outright rejected that his party has fielded the proxy candidates in Kashmir saying that those making such statements show their weakness of losing elections.
Defending BJP for not contesting the recent Lok Sabha elections from Kashmir though being the largest political party, he said not contesting the elections is the part of party’s election strategy. He also said that in BJP there exists a total inner party democracy and unlike Congress and other dynastic parties the candidates selection is not made on religious basis and there is no question of Hindu-Muslim in BJP a tag attached to us by Congress and other opposition parties, he added.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
