BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Monday called the National Conference’s manifesto a “bundle of lies” and mocked the NC party’s Vice President Omar Abdullah for his promises to restore Article 370, 35-A, and statehood, likening these promises to “Mungeri Lal ke Haseen Sapne” (a reference to unrealistic or fanciful dreams).
Speaking to ANI, BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh said, “This (the National Conference’s manifesto) is a bundle of lies. From its highlights, it seems that the National Conference tied lies in bundles and declared them.”
“To bring back Article 370, 35-A, and statehood is an expired injection. Patani Abdullah pariwar kaunsa mungeri lal ke haseen sapne dekhta hai,” he stated.
“Now under no circumstances will we allow the constitution made by Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar to be taken away from Jammu and Kashmir. We will not allow the rights and reservations given to SC and ST women to be taken away. As long as there is even one member of the BJP, we will not allow the union territory to be tied in chains. NC Vice President ‘Mungeri lal ke haseen sapne dekhna band kare’,” he added.
Ahead of the Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, to be held from September 18, the National Conference on Monday launched its manifesto, which promised 12 guarantees to the people of the Union Territory.
The party’s Vice President, Omar Abdullah, launched the manifesto, which includes some huge promises like the restoration of Article 370, 35-A and statehood, redrawing the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019; and the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits.
Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Vice President of Jammu and Kashmir, Yudhvir Sethi also criticised National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah for trying to mislead people of Jammu and Kashmir and ruin the Union Territory.
Speaking to ANI, Sethi said “Omar Abdullah should speak the truth and accept that things that have gone will never come back. Secondly, despite losing in the Supreme Court, Omar Abdullah has been misleading people and that is the reason why there was so much terrorism, nepotism and corruption here.
“With elections scheduled in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370, Sethi’s comments reflect the ongoing political tensions in the region.
Further, he suggested that Omar accept that things that have gone will never come back regarding Article 370 and further said that he should stop misleading people.Sethi alleged that Omar Abdullah wants to come back to the same position again and wants to ruin the Union Territory.
Reacting to the manifesto of the National Conference, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy said that the issue of bringing back Article 370 does not arise as neither Omar Abdullah nor Congress will come back to power in Jammu and Kashmir.
G Kishan Reddy said, “There is no question of either Omar Abdullah or the National Conference or Congress party coming to power (in J&K), then how will they bring back Article 370. Omar Abdullah will neither become Chief Minister nor will he come to power, so the issue of bringing back Article 370 does not arise.”
The first guarantee of the NC’s manifesto envisaged the restoration of the political and legal status of the Union Territory and said that the party would strive to restore Article 370-35A and statehood prior to August 5, 2019.
“It also mentioned that in the interim period, the party will endeavour to redraw the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 and the Transaction of Business of the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Rules, 2019. The party has also said that in the first assembly session, they will bring a resolution against the Centre’s decision to strip the region of its statehood and special status,” the manifesto said.
The second guarantee includes several promises, including the release of political prisoners, the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, a simplified job verification process, ease of passport verification, and an end to unjust terminations and unnecessary harassment to people on highways.
The third guarantee will be a comprehensive job package for youth.
Speaking on it, Omar Abdullah said, “We all know the unemployment condition in J&K. After August 5, 2019, there was talk of reducing unemployment but it only increased. There was fraud in the recruitment process and the youths did not get the job. We are making comprehensive promises to the youth and going to address the unemployment issue.”
The party has promised to give free electricity upto 200 units. Omar said, “We will also address the issue of water and electricity and will give electricity free upto 200 units. Some will promise more but that’s not beneficial because they are not going to be in power in the future.”
He further added, “Regarding social welfare, we are making a special guarantee to the people. Under this, women belonging to the EWS (Economically Weaker Section) will be given Rs 5000 per month to support them. For the benefit of the common people, we will provide 12 gas cylinders after the elections to the EWS. The widow pensions will also be increased.”
The party has also promised to bring a comprehensive plan to solve the drug issue in the Union Territory. (ANI)
