‘UT people have full faith in PM’s development politics’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 21: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national general secretary Tarun Chugh today exuded confidence of the party’s prospects in the poll-bound States saying that Narendra Modi-led Government at the Centre has heralded politics of governance.
In a freewheeling interview with Excelsior, Chugh also said that the Modi Government has brought true democracy in Jammu and Kashmir.
Following are excerpts from the interview:
Q: Being party In-charge for Jammu and Kashmir, what is your assessment of the UT after the abrogation of Article 370?
Chugh: The celebrations of Independence Day were overwhelming in the Kashmir valley. Lal Chowk spotted the tricolor. The people on their own free will took oath of ‘paanchprana (five resolutions)’ on the call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to realize the aims of ‘Amrit Kaal’.
Tiranga Yatra was taken out in all parts of J&K. This is something which was not seen for past three decades. The change is remarkable and it’s evident that the people have rejected the politics of nepotism and corruption to show full faith in development politics of PM Modi.
Q. But the Opposition leaders accuse the BJP Government of not holding elections in J&K?
Chugh: The Abdullahs and Muftis looted J&K to serve their vested interests. They deprived the poor and downtrodden in J&K of their rights to take part in the development journey. Under their rule, the women were treated as second class citizens. They also practiced discrimination against the people belonging to Scheduled Castes and Tribes by blocking Central schemes for them.
The Modi Government has brought true democracy in J&K. The genuine process of holding elections is underway, and the delimitation exercise followed by preparations of electoral roll will be done. The Modi Government believes in genuine democracy, which is attested to by holding the Panchayat elections in J&K where lakhs of people came out to vote of their own free will.
Q: How do you look at the upcoming Assembly elections in five States?
Chugh: The BJP is set to create a record by winning all five state Assembly elections. The people in the five poll-bound states have immense trust in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, the BJP has shown that the party delivers on promises and ensures all-round development that touches all sections of the people.
Q: What are the BJP’s prospects in Telangana?
Chugh: The people of Telangana are eagerly waiting to elect a BJP Government. The people in the State are tired of nepotism and corruption under the watch of CM K Chandrashekhar Rao. Corruption is all pervasive. Rao’s family runs a family-centric party and government. The people in the state are impatient to throw the KCR government and punish the CM for his misdeeds.
Q: Will the BJP again form an alliance with Akalis in Punjab?
Chugh: This is a hypothetical question. The BJP Central leadership addresses issues of alliances. The BJP currently has an alliance with Dhindsa-led Akali group. The BJP is fast spreading its footprints in Punjab. The BJP is a strong force in the State, and the people want to be part of the PM Modi’s model of politics of development.
Q: But there are dissensions against the appointment of Sunil Jakhar as president of the party in Punjab?
Chugh: Sunil Jakhar is a hard-working party leader. He is also accessible to all. His commitment for the wellbeing of Punjab is unquestionable. I don’t think there is any dissension against his appointment. Still, if there are any misgivings, Jakhar will address them with open mind.
Q: The ruling AAP in Punjab is now part of I.N.D.I.A alliance. What you have to say?
Chugh: The Congress has shown that the party is a bogus opposition in Punjab. The same applies to Delhi also. At the same time it is also clear that the I.N.D.I.A. alliance is a joining of forces which are hypocritical and they are worried only to protect their vested interests.
Q. How do you look at the Bhagwant Mann Government in Punjab?
Chugh: Does Bhagwant Mann really hold the power of a Chief Minister or he’s just being remote-controlled from Delhi? The question is, whether Punjab is being ruled from Delhi! In place of addressing the deepening crises of Punjab, Mann is providing the State’s aviation assets to help Arvind Kejriwal travel across the country for the political purposes. The law and order situation is pitiable, as extortion business is running from prisons and the drug mafia has taken full control of the State.
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