BJP betrayed people by not restoring statehood: Cong leader

Senior Congress leader and former MLA Balwan Singh on Tuesday accused the BJP-led Centre of betraying the people of Jammu and Kashmir by failing to restore its statehood. He asserted that the people must fight for their status, dignity and identity to reclaim their due rights.

Speaking at the opening of a block Congress office alongside former minister Shabir Ahmed Khan and other party leaders, Singh criticised the Centre for repeatedly promising statehood but failing to deliver. He pointed out that even after four months of Assembly elections and the formation of an elected government, the Centre has shown no intent to fulfil its commitment.

“The people of J&K will have to fight for their rights and reclaim their full-fledged statehood. The Congress has been at the forefront of this struggle and will intensify efforts to ensure justice for the people,” Singh said. He urged people to support the Congress in its campaign for the early restoration of statehood.

Singh also highlighted the challenges faced by the coalition government in J&K, stating that it struggles to meet public expectations due to the absence of full powers and statehood. He called upon party workers to strengthen the Congress at the grassroots level and defeat the BJP in the upcoming Nagrota Assembly by-elections. He also encouraged them to engage with the public and expose the BJP-led Centre’s failure, particularly in controlling rising prices.

Addressing the gathering, former minister Shabir Ahmed Khan warned against the growing division and communal polarisation in the country, alleging that the BJP is fostering an atmosphere of hatred for electoral gains. He urged people to remain united and strengthen the spirit of brotherhood in these challenging times.