Post-Art 370, Modi scripted new era of growth, dev in J&K: Chugh

Jammu, Aug 05: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national general secretary Tarun Cough who is also the party in-charge of J&K and Ladakh, on Monday said that the Modi government has written a new chapter of growth and prosperity.
Addressing a meeting here, Chugh said, “It was a historic day for J&K because so long as Article 370 prevailed it was a ‘fun time’ for Abdullahs and Muftis whereby they only filled up their coffers and misled the people of J&K.”
After the abrogation of Article 370, J&K has replaced terrorism with tourism, replaced stones with computers, he said, adding that the youth of J&K and women are seeing a new sunrise.
In a strong rebuttal to AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge’s statement that the BJP has failed in J&K, Chugh said, “The exceptionally high voter turnout in the Lok Sabha elections demonstrated new enthusiasm among the people who would earlier not come out of their homes to exercise their franchise for fear of Pakistan-sponsored terrorists.”
He questioned whether Kharge ever visited J&K after the abrogation of Article 370 to see the ground situation. “Or is he just piping the song of the Gandhi family?” the BJP leader asked.
Chugh said tourism has touched a new high in J&K which never happened when Abdullahs and Muftis and Congress ruled the J&K. “Kharge’s statement on Jammu and Kashmir is a perfect example of frustration and disappointment in Congress and lack of understanding of the ground reality,” he said, adding that the Modi government’s policies have ensured that terrorism is on the decline, and the region is witnessing a new era of peace and stability.
The BJP leader said the Congress had been party to the reckless exodus of Kashmiri Pandits whereas the Modi government has created an atmosphere for them to return.
The Congress’s criticism of the economy is also unfounded, as Jammu and Kashmir has seen unprecedented investment and growth since 2019, he said, adding that the New Industrial Policy has attracted significant investment, and the region is witnessing a new era of economic prosperity.
Chugh said the Modi government is committed to holding elections according to the Supreme Court’s deadline, but the Congress is trying to politicise the issue for their own gains.
“As we mark the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, the people of J&K are celebrating this historic decision with great enthusiasm. The removal of Article 370 has brought about a new era of development, prosperity, and integration for the region,” he said. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir have wholeheartedly embraced this change.”