Kishtwar

Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday criticized the National Conference-Congress alliance for nourishing terrorism during their time in power in Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a rally before the first phase of polling, Shah dismissed Article 370 as a historical relic, stating it has no place in the Indian Constitution. He emphasized that the Modi government is focused on developing Jammu and Kashmir, citing new reservations for Pahadis while maintaining Gurjar reservations.

Shah criticized the previous alliance’s handling of terrorism and claimed they were absent during the violence of the 1990s. He accused the Congress and National Conference of boycotting Kashmiri Pandits and delaying reservations. According to Shah, the Modi government has replaced the influence of three political families with Panchayati Raj and aims to provide equal opportunities through reservations.

He strongly opposed any attempts to reinstate Article 370, asserting it would undermine current reservations. Shah reassured that Article 370 is part of history and there will only be one national flag, the Tricolour, in Kashmir. He praised the locals for their patriotism and sacrifices, particularly during the 1990s terrorist crisis, and highlighted the BJP government’s commitment to combating terrorism and boosting local development through various projects.

Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir will occur in three phases on September 18, September 25, and November 1, with votes counted on October 8.