Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Sept 22: National Conference (NC) is deceiving the people of Jammu and Kashmir with hollow promises about the restoration of Article 370, Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) candidate from the Habba Kadal Assembly segment Ashok Kumar Bhat said.
In an interview to Excelsior, Bhat-a Kashmiri Pandit-stated that the NC has no agenda except for Article 370, a matter, which, he said, has already been settled by the Supreme Court. He added that the BJP remains committed to the restoration of J&K’s Statehood.
“NC has no agenda beyond Article 370. They, along with others, are deceiving the people, but now the public is politically aware and knows what they are being told,” Bhat said.
He reiterated that the BJP supports the restoration of Statehood and accused other parties of making false promises.
“These parties are making hollow promises, and the people will show them the door, making them realize their mistakes,” he remarked.
When asked what he promises the people of his constituency, Bhat highlighted the various achievements of the Modi Government in J&K over the past several years.
He pointed to initiatives under the Smart City project, the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat health scheme, and the improvement of road infrastructure, which he said has made life easier for the people.
He emphasized that the people are “happy” and want the BJP to come to power, “because they know that only the BJP can ensure development.”
In addition, Bhat addressed local issues in Habba Kadal, including the drug menace, which he said needs urgent attention.
“The lanes have been in the same condition for years; they need repairs. We also need a marriage hall and a playground-we will ensure these works are completed,” he promised.
When asked whether the atmosphere in Kashmir has truly improved, Bhat pointed out, “I have opened a BJP office in a place where the first AK-47 was displayed in 1989, and the first blast took place here. This speaks volumes-people want peace and progress to continue.”
Regarding the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, Bhat said the BJP is committed to their dignified return, although it will be a process that takes time.
“We have outlined six points in our manifesto for the return of Kashmiri Pandits, including an increase in relief and ensuring their return with dignity,” he explained.
Responding to accusations that certain parties, including Engineer Rashid, are part of a “BJP team,” Bhat denied any association.
“We have nothing to do with anyone else. The BJP is contesting all 19 seats in Kashmir on its own.”
He added: “NC made an issue out of Engineer Rashid’s release, but no one is working for us. Even in the Lok Sabha elections, there were similar allegations of teams working for us.”
Bhat said that the BJP’s goal in J&K is to secure “50-plus” seats and working for the betterment of people.
“The BJP will form the Government with its own chief minister and cabinet, and we will work for the betterment of the people. The public must give us a chance, and let the Lotus bloom from Habba Kadal,” he urged.
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