Shazia Ilmi criticises NC, PDP, Congress

Srinagar, Sep 24: BJP National Spokesperson Shazia Ilmi, accompanied by Rajpora Assembly constituency candidate Arshad Bhat, launched a scathing attack on mainstream political parties in Jammu and Kashmir.

During a press conference here, the leaders accused the National Conference (NC), Congress, and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for their failure to bring development to the J&K, accusing them of perpetuating a cycle of violence and political stagnation.

Arshad Bhat, the BJP’s candidate from Rajpora in Pulwama, took aim at the traditional political players, accusing them of neglecting the aspirations of Kashmiri youth. "For decades, these parties have promised progress but have instead created an environment where genuine discussions on governance and development are stifled. They have built a culture of political terrorism, keeping Kashmir trapped in a loop of instability and missed opportunities," Bhat said.

He further argued that the NC, PDP, and Congress had failed to deliver in key areas, especially in creating employment opportunities for the youth. Bhat, said, these parties have allowed public sector employment and other developmental avenues to fall into disrepair, leaving young Kashmiris frustrated and disillusioned.

Shazia Ilmi echoed Bhat’s criticism, stressing that the BJP stands for a comprehensive development agenda for Jammu and Kashmir. She outlined the party’s vision for a stable and peaceful J&K, where terrorism and hartals (strikes) no longer dominate the lives of ordinary citizens.

"We want Jammu and Kashmir to be a place where peace reigns, and development is the driving force. The mainstream parties have failed to take the necessary steps for progress. The people of this region deserve better, and that’s what the BJP is committed to delivering," Ilmi said.

She reiterated the BJP’s determination to rid the region of terrorism and stone-pelting, both of which have plagued Kashmir for years. Ilmi called for a future where the youth of Kashmir have real opportunities for advancement, and the economy is revitalized through infrastructure development, education reforms, and job creation.

Shazia Ilmi also highlighted the plight of Muslims in J&K, comparing their experiences with the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s. "The Muslim community in Kashmir has faced similar hardships, being forced to leave their homes due to ongoing violence and instability. Their voices have been suppressed by the very leaders who were supposed to represent them," she said.