Development, not Art 370, on UT electorate’s mind

The Tribune interview: Shahnawaz Hussain, DDC poll in-charge

As the DDC elections draw to a close on December 19, senior BJP leaders are oozing confidence of the party doing well. Talking to Vibha Sharma of The Tribune, J&K DDC poll in-charge Syed Shahnawaz Hussain said, “Lotus will bloom in the Valley this time.”

Excerpts

What do you feel towards the end of these elections?

The BJP is contesting these elections on the plank of development. As the party in-charge, I want to tell the country that perceptions about J&K are not correct. People here want ‘jamhooriyat’ (democracy). Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpapyee had talked of ‘Insaniyat’, ‘Jamhooriyat’ and ‘Kashmiriyat’. Without ‘jamhooriyat’ there can neither be ‘insaaniyat’ or ‘Kashmiriyat’. Our aim is to make J&K dynasty and corruption free and ensure democracy here.

What was the feedback on Article 370?

Neither they talked about it nor did I. Kashmiris know that they enjoy the same rights as Shahnawaz does as a Bihari. Article 370 is only an issue with Mehbooba Mufti and ‘Gupkar Gang’ not with the people who want good governance and development.

Where was the need to compare Indian Muslims with those living in Pakistan?

A. That statement was incomplete. I said it in Parliament in 2000 that there was no better country for Indian Muslims than India or a better friend than Hindus. Today let me add to it, they also have no better leader than Narendra Modi. The rights they enjoy in India they do not have in any other country and that is a fact.

PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti has made allegations of not being allowed to campaign freely?

The allegations are completely baseless. I also have security and there are many places where I am not allowed to go. Mehbooba is looking for ways to explain her defeat. I think she knows they have lost the elections.

You called your opponents ‘Gupkar Gang’. Why?

When so many parties get together to gang up against us then what should we call them? They are a gang of corrupt dynasts, which is why they are a gang. They have just got together to save their wealth, they have nothing to do with the people.

What is the final assessment of your performance?

In the Valley, where we did not have even a single seat in the Assembly, whatever we get we will consider it as the blessing of the people. Is baar Kashmir ghati mein kamal khila ke dikhayenge, Jammu main to kamal pehle hi khila hua hai.