PM gave ‘denied rights’ with interest to J&K people: Rajnath Singh

Jammu, Apr 15:  Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Monday stated that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave all “due yet denied” rights to (deprived) people of Jammu and Kashmir, with interest, following abrogation of Article 370.

In contrast with the apprehensions and canards spread by the political parties viz., Congress, National Conference and PDP, following abrogation of Article 370, J&K, with return of peace, was charting a new path of revolutionary development in all spheres, he said.

He was addressing an election rally at Basohli in Kathua district in support of party candidate and the Union Minister of State in PMO Dr Jitendra Singh.

“In Jammu and Kashmir, previously dominated by Congress, National Conference, and PDP, opposition to the abrogation of Article 370 was strong, fearing it would lead to bloodshed in the state. BJP worked for J&K’s development and also took the decision of abrogating Article 370 to integrate Jammu and Kashmir as an inseparable part of India. NC, PDP and Congress kept on misleading the public for their vested interests. But I would like to assert that going by the pace of development here, the streams of water, milk - not blood- would flow here in J&K,” Defence Minister stated.

HOW ART 370 REPEAL CHANGED LIFE IN J&K

Enumerating benefits of repeal of Article 370, he said, “Our party and leadership believe in walking its talk. There is no conflict in our words and actions. BJP, under the strong and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi fulfilled all its promises. We used to say – Jahan Balidan Huye Mookerjee, Woh Kashmir Hamara Hai. We kept our word and ensured its (J&K’s) complete integration with India, by repealing Article 370.”

“It will not be an exaggeration to say that following its abrogation, the Prime Minister gave all rights to Jammu and other deprived sections of J&K with interest. Congress and other parties opposed the move (repeal). When Rahul visited here as part of his (Bharat Jodo) Yatra; Priyanka ji was also with him. I had seen videos of siblings immersed in playing with snow in Gulmarg. They would not have got this opportunity (fun-n-frolicking), had it (Article 370) not abrogated,” Rajnath said.

He mentioned that in the past, when devotees would visit Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, their buses and luggage were subjected to checks, a practice that was halted by the central government, allowing devotees to visit the temple freely.

TRICOLOUR VISIBLE IN EVERY NOOK-N-CORNER OF J&K

The Defence Minister also used the occasion to remind the former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti of her refrain – ‘Nobody will be there in J&K to carry tricolour if Article 370 gets abrogated’ and the contrasting after-effect. “I will remind Mehbooba ji of her words and now see, you will find tricolour in every nook and corner of Kashmir (J&K),” he said.

POST ART 370, J&K WOMEN RETAIN RIGHT TO PROPERTY AFTER MARRIAGE

He mentioned that previously, women in J&K, who married outside it (J&K) would lose their right to property. “However, this has been changed, and now women have the right to property even if they marry outside the state,” he said.

IF PROVOKED, NEW INDIA CAN STRIKE ENEMY IN ITS TERRITORY

Highlighting changing India under the strong leadership of Prime Minister Modi, Rajnath said that previously, it (India) was perceived as a soft state, characterized by its policy of non-aggression and reluctance to engage in conflicts or acquire territory. “However, after the incidents at Uri and Pulwama, the world recognized India’s valour and determination. It became evident that India would not hesitate to defend itself and respond strongly to any threats or attacks from its adversaries. If provoked, India, its valorous forces are capable of striking enemies from within our territory. However, if needed, they will not hesitate in striking an enemy in its territory (across LoC),” he said, while referring to surgical strikes.

Praising Jitendra Singh, he said that as a minister, he fulfilled his responsibilities excellently and effectively presented viewpoints in the Parliament. He claimed that instead of relying on previous trends, Dr Jitendra would emerge victorious with the public’s blessings and majority votes.

The Defence Minister said that it was not just India but the whole world that acknowledged the nation’s rapid progress. “India’s stature has increased internationally. Earlier, when India spoke on the international stage, its words were not taken seriously enough. But today, when India speaks on the international stage, the whole world listens to it attentively,” he said.

“Under PM Modi’s leadership, India has progressed economically, jumping from the 11th to the 5th position in terms of its economy’s size since 2014. Recognized economists and esteemed financial firms worldwide also agree that India’s rapid advancement will likely lead it to become the world’s 3rd largest economy by 2027,” he said.

Rajnath stated that India was fortunate to have a strong leadership. He emphasized that if the leaders of the Congress party had fulfilled even partially the promises made to the people after India gained independence, it (India) would have emerged as one of the leading nations in the world 25-30 years ago.

The Congress party and other political parties also released manifestos and made grand promises to the public, but after coming into power, they did not fulfill their commitments, he alleged.

“Contrary to Congress, since the inception of the Jan Sangh, the BJP’s manifesto has repeatedly stated that whenever the party comes to power, Article 370 will be abolished in Jammu and Kashmir and J&K would have the same stature and standing as that of other states. And this promise was fulfilled upon the BJP coming to power,” he said, while referring to fulfilment of other promises viz., construction of Ram temple, CAA and abolition of Triple Talaq.

“The beginning of Ram Rajya has now begun in India, and no one can stop the advent of Ram Rajya now.  Ram Rajya means instilling a sense of duty within people, raising awareness about their responsibilities, and fostering a sense of accountability, not blind obedience,” he said.

The Defence Minister emphasized, “BJP doesn’t engage in politics solely to form a government but also to build the nation. The government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has demonstrated this. BJP had promised to pass the citizenship law, and it was passed. Despite this, the opposition is attempting to spread misinformation that people’s citizenship will be revoked.” He said that the Uniform Civil Code would also be implemented in the country.

“When discussing triple talaq, opponents often question, ‘Why do you intervene in the matters of people from other religions? What right do you have? BJP, regardless of a woman’s religion, will not tolerate any compromise vis-a-vis her dignity. Whether in government or not, the BJP will never tolerate any infringement vis-a-vis women’s respect. We don’t do politics for the sake of power, for us, politics is a way towards nation-building,” he said.

He said that the Prime Minister introduced numerous beneficial schemes catering to every section of society. The ‘Nal Se Jal’ scheme was initiated to address the water scarcity issue in households. “Over 4 crore houses have been constructed across the country, and the BJP manifesto promises an additional 4 Cr houses in the future. Additionally, the Ayushman Bharat Yojana provides an annual health cover of Rs 5 lakh,” he said.

Rajnath assured that after forming the government, within a month, everybody above 70 years regardless of caste or religion, would get a free treatment of Rs 5 lakh under Ayushman Bharat.

He appealed to the electorate to vote for Dr Jitendra Singh and ensure the BJP government at the Centre for the third consecutive time.

Union Minister and incumbent MP and BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Udhampur-Kathua Dr Jitendra Singh; BJP general secretaries Ashok Kaul and D K Manyal, among other leaders, were present.