BJP’s 10-year rule a ‘black era’ for J&K: Tariq Karra

Srinagar, Sept 20: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chairman Tariq Hameed Karra on Friday described the past decade of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governance in the region as a “dark period” in its history.
In a statement, he criticised the BJP for downgrading Jammu & Kashmir’s status and undermining the rights of its people, which he claims has resulted in rising unemployment and increased terror incidents.
Karra dismissed the BJP’s claims made during election rallies, asserting that their leaders lack the moral authority to make such statements. “The BJP owes the people of Jammu & Kashmir an apology for their actions over the past 10 years,” he said.
Addressing the BJP’s assertion regarding the connection between Delhi and Kashmir, the J&K Congress chief said, “There should be no majboori (compulsion); only then will the doori (distance) decrease.”
He said that if political compulsion exists, any claims of bridging the gap between Delhi and the hearts of Kashmiris are mere rhetoric. “The people have clearly opted for ‘BJP se doori’ in this election,” he added.
Karra said the alliance between the Indian National Congress (INC) and the National Conference (NC) represents the “true voice” of the J&K people. He expressed confidence that the first phase of polling has demonstrated public support for the alliance.
“The people will continue to vote for the INC-NC alliance in the upcoming phases, paving the way for a people’s government on October 08, 2024,” he said.