‘BJP no more untouchable’

Excerpts from an interview with Raj Chengappa, Editor-in-Chief, The Tribune Group of Newspapers:

Is BJP’s push in the Valley just a lot of hype?

I have been listening to the stalwarts of other parties saying that they are competing with the BJP. So we exist. We have the maximum number of candidates, so we exist. We got Modiji in such a situation, we had a huge rally and people came on their own. 

Why did you choose to go with BJP?

Because of our Prime Minister and his vision for Kashmir. The regional parties have failed, they have really broken the trust of Kashmiris.  So, if Narendra Modi is undertaking development in the whole of the country, why not Kashmir? 

Do you sense a Hindu-Muslim divide?

No, we Kashmiris are very secular. Every pond has different fish, so the small little fish try to create a problem but with time, will come out of it.  

Can BJP win seats in the Valley?

We are trying our best. This is the first time the BJP is contesting like this in Kashmir. First we had floods and then there was very little time for the campaign. But people are quite aware of which party offers change. There is no untouchability that you are from the BJP and they will shut the doors.  

You don’t fear violence against you?

No, I am only afraid of my Allah. That’s it.