NC, PDP befooling people with Art 370 restoration plank: BJPMM president

Jammu, Aug 25: Bharatiya Janata Party Mahila Morcha (BJPMM) national president Vanathi Srinivasan Sunday accused the National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of befooling J&K people by raising the plank of restoration of Article 370.

While replying to media queries on the sidelines of an event in Jammu, she said, “Restoration of Article 370 was not possible for them still both these parties were trying to befool people (by including issue in their manifestoes). They used Article 370 to resort to discrimination with different sections.

They are not going to win in the elections hence they are doing politics to serve their own ends by raking up issues of Article 370 and changing the names of Shankaracharya Hill and Hari Parbat. But people understand it and they will not fall into their trap.”

She asserted that the people of J&K, mainly youth, wanted peace and development which could be ensured by BJP only.

Earlier during her one-day visit to the city of temples, Srinivasan addressed a meeting of the Morcha office bearers, district presidents, district general secretaries, mandal presidents and general secretaries, members of DDCs, BDCs and corporators.

The meeting was convened and presided over by Sanjita Dogra, president of BJP Mahila Morcha Jammu and Kashmir.

Srinivasan, in her address, said that in view of the assembly elections, the Morcha activists would have to devote more time and take the lead in the electoral campaign. They should showcase BJP’s vision of development, empowerment of the females, and also its initiatives for peace and progress in Jammu and Kashmir. Each one of them should actively participate in mobilizing women voters in particular in Jammu and Kashmir, she said.

Vanathi Srinivasan outlined the importance of the involvement of women in reaching the women folk and educating them about the government’s schemes for women, including reservations in elections, economic empowerment programmes, and healthcare initiatives. “This Assembly election is not just a political contest but an opportunity to bring real change in Jammu and Kashmir. Women must rise to the forefront and become the driving force behind this transformation,” Srinivasan said.

She highlighted several key developments, including India's significant role in the G20, showcasing its growing global leadership. She emphasized on the importance of the abrogation of Article 370, which has strengthened the democratic process in Jammu and Kashmir by ensuring complete integration with the rest of India. Additionally, she praised the BJP for being a truly democratic and transparent organization, committed to the welfare of the people, and upholding the values of accountability and good governance.

Sanjita Dogra, in her address, praised the dedication of the women in the party and highlighted their crucial role in the ensuing electoral success. “Women are the change-makers in every society, and the BJP has always recognized and respected their power. In these upcoming Assembly elections, I call upon every woman present here to stand united, work hard, and ensure that the BJP emerges victorious,” Dogra said.

She also emphasized the need for teamwork and grassroots-level efforts, encouraging the women to actively reach out to their communities, listen to their concerns, and bring those issues to the forefront of the campaign.

Also present were State Election Co-Incharges Special Invitee Samita Barooah, National Executive Dr Anju Warrior, Anuradha Charak, Prabhari of the Mahila Morcha, Veenu Khanna Seh Prabhari Mahila Morcha, Updesh Andotra National Executive Member, and other senior women leaders.