For over 60 years, the Congress party has been criticized for not allowing a Hindu Chief Minister in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). This statement was made by Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy during a recent interview. He highlighted the historical context, stating that the Congress government made significant errors in the past, particularly when it handed over parts of J&K to Pakistan, which he believes has had lasting consequences for the region.
Reddy pointed out that the Congress party’s decisions have led to a long-standing discrimination against the Jammu region. He accused them of prioritizing political alliances with parties like the National Conference (NC) over the welfare of J&K’s residents. According to Reddy, this has prevented a Hindu from becoming Chief Minister, raising questions about the secularism that Congress claims to uphold.
Reddy expressed confidence that the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) is now poised to form a government in J&K. He emphasized that the BJP has reserved 24 seats in the J&K Assembly specifically for areas that are currently under Pakistan’s control, reaffirming their commitment to reclaiming these territories. He believes that under BJP leadership, J&K can achieve peace and development, contrasting sharply with the previous administrations.
Reddy claimed that since the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to J&K, there has been a significant transformation in the region. He noted improvements in tourism and economic activity, citing that over two crore tourists visited Kashmir last year and numerous films were shot there, indicating a revival of normalcy after decades of unrest.
He also mentioned that violence and terrorism have drastically decreased, attributing this change to the Modi government’s policies. Reddy argued that previous governments were too afraid to confront Pakistan, while Modi’s administration has taken decisive action against terrorism.
Reddy criticized opposition parties like Congress and NC for their past governance, claiming they have only served their interests while neglecting the needs of Jammu and Kashmir’s citizens. He urged voters to reject these “dynastic” parties and support the BJP for a more prosperous future.
In summary, G. Kishan Reddy’s statements reflect a strong belief in the BJP’s vision for Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing development, peace, and political representation for Hindus in the region. He argues that it is time for Jammu to take charge of its political destiny and ensure that all communities are represented fairly in governance.