BJP will play role of strong opposition in new govt formation in J&K: Ashok Koul

Srinagar, Oct 09: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) senior leader and General Secretary (Organization), Ashok Koul Wednesday stated that his party will play a strong opposition role in the new Jammu and Kashmir government.

“We accept the mandate of the people. We will be a strong opposition and work for the people, especially in the Jammu division who voted for BJP,” Koul told news agency KINS.

When asked about Omar Abdullah’s remark that ‘expecting the restoration of Article 370 from those who revoked it, is “foolish,” Koul responded, “What does he want then? Let them do what they think is right.”

He said that the BJP’s priority remains the concerns of Jammu and the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir.

Commenting on Omar Abdullah’s plan to introduce a resolution for the restoration of Article 370 after the formation of the new government, Koul said, “They can proceed with their agenda, and we will focus on ours. The BJP has a strong mandate in Jammu, and we will fulfill our role as the opposition.”

When asked about the BJP’s loss in Kashmir, particularly in Gurez, where the party had high hopes, Koul remained positive. “Winning and losing is part of life. We congratulate the winners,” he said.

When asked if the new government should also prioritize the Jammu division, given the limited representation it will have since most seats went to the BJP, which will sit in opposition, Koul responded that the government should focus on the entire Jammu and Kashmir.

“We are here to address the concerns of the people in Jammu division, as they have given us their mandate, but the government is responsible for serving all citizens of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.