‘Don’t believe in capturing land but winning hearts’
Jammu, Apr 16: Union Home Minister Amit Shah Tuesday asserted that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was not in a hurry to “see lotus blooming” in Valley (Kashmir) which would eventually happen with the affection and love of people.
He stated contrary to malicious propaganda against it (BJP) that it wanted to “capture” Valley, it (BJP) was only inclined to “occupy hearts.”
Amid ongoing guessing game vis-à-vis party’s nominees for Anantnag-Rajouri and two other parliamentary seats from Kashmir, Union Home Minister’s statement left one and all wondering if he actually hinted that BJP would not field its candidates in the Valley.
Shah was addressing an impressive election rally in Paloura in Jammu outskirts to seek support for party candidate and incumbent Member Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma, who is seeking a third term from Jammu-Reasi parliamentary constituency.
“Today I’ve come to tell all the electorate of (Kashmir) valley that we’re (BJP is) not in a hurry. When we’re able to receive your love and affection, lotus will bloom even in the Valley. There’s no worry,” he said.
Cautioning the youth of (Kashmir) valley about, what he said, “canards being spread” by Congress, NC, PDP trio and BJP’s other political detractors, that BJP wanted to occupy Valley, Shah asserted that it (BJP) was not interested in taking over but in “winning hearts.”
“I want to tell the youth of (Kashmir) valley they are making propaganda that BJP people want to capture (land of) Valley. We are not the occupiers; we are the ones who win hearts. So, don’t worry,” he said.
On this account, he referred to Pahari and Gujjar people, who were sitting among the audience. “See, my brothers from Pahari and Gujjars are sitting here. They have come of their own will. They may not be from this area yet they’ve come to attend this rally from distant places because they are supporters of PM Modi.”
In the same breath, Shah urged the public to refrain from voting for three “dynastic parties”, which he claimed, “focussed solely on their families.”
“I want to appeal to all the voters in the Valley to vote for whichever party you want to, in this election. But do not vote for three dynastic parties. Farooq Ji, Mehbooba Ji and Sonia Gandhi work for their sons and daughters and not for you (general masses),” he said.
Union Home Minister appealed for a resounding victory for the BJP, ensuring Jammu and Kashmir's development trajectory continues for the third consecutive term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “I urge you to vote for BJP to ensure a third term for both incumbent MP Jugal Kishore and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I assure you that this time, over two Cr tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir. Elect Modiji for the third term, tourist influx will reach three Cr. It is Modi's guarantee. He (Modi) has envisioned so many development plans which are to be realised on the ground,” he said.
Jammu & Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina; Rajya Sabha MP Gulam Ali Khatana; BJP candidate Jugal Kishore Sharma among other leaders were present.
Earlier Shah commenced his address by seeking the blessings of Mata Vaishno; Tirupati Balaji; Bawe Wali Mata and Shri Raghunathji. He also mentioned “Baba Daleep Singh Manhas” – local deity of Manhas Biradari with reverence.
Before addressing the gathering, he also paid obeisance at the temple dedicated to Baba Daleep Singh Manhas.
As he arrived, he was felicitated by J&K BJP president with a Dogri turban; offered “Mata Ki Chunri” by district presidents.
He wrapped up his address with “Jahan Balidan Huye…Woh Kashmir Hamara Hai” and “Jai Shri Ram” slogans and got an evocative response from the enthusiastic crowd. “Tomorrow is Ramnavami, after 500 years, Lord Ram will celebrate his birthday in his home (temple),” he said.
