BJP National Spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi addressed a press conference today, declaring the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir as historic. This will be the first election since J&K’s reorganization and transformation into a secular state under a single Constitution.
Trivedi described the elections as a choice between “nationalist forces” represented by the BJP and “anti-national forces” opposing them. “People have to choose between those promising peace and development (BJP) and those promising death and destruction,” he stated, emphasizing the significance of the elections under the new legal and political framework.
The press conference, held at the BJP media center, also featured BJP national spokesperson Prem Shukla, J&K BJP chief spokesperson Sunil Sethi, Election Media Center Incharge Arun Gupta, and spokesperson Abhijeet Jasrotia.
Trivedi highlighted several key aspects of this election:
Secular Status: This will be the first election after J&K’s designation as a secular state, following the abrogation of Article 370. He noted that the previous six-year Assembly term did not include the term “secular” in its Constitution, a gap now addressed under the unified Indian Constitution.
Election Conditions: This election marks a departure from past disturbances, with no stone-pelting incidents, ISIS or Pakistani flags, and hartals expected. It is also notable for being the first election with reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
Term Duration: The Assembly term will now be five years, in line with other states.
Trivedi criticized the National Conference (NC) and Congress for allegedly seeking to revive terrorism and separatism. He questioned Congress regarding potential releases of jailed separatists, such as Yasin Malik, Asiya Andrabi, or Shabir Shah.
Trivedi also took aim at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of insulting Indian sovereignty by meeting individuals in the U.S. who do not recognize Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) as part of India. He referenced a resolution passed by the Indian Parliament affirming PoJK as an integral part of India, and accused Gandhi of undermining this stance.
He rebuked former Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde’s past apprehensions about visiting Kashmir and contrasted it with the current situation, asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has restored peace in the region post-Article 370 abrogation. He highlighted record tourism numbers and the reestablishment of traditional events, such as the Muharram procession after 33 years.
Trivedi concluded by noting the development of prestigious institutions in J&K, including two AIIMS, as part of the BJP’s commitment to advancing the region’s infrastructure and educational opportunities.
