Union Home Minister, Amit Shah today emphatically stated that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had fulfilled its prime goals behind the historic decision of abrogating Article 370 in 2019 and as per the roadmap, Jammu and Kashmir had gone through a comprehensive transformation in all fronts of development.
Shah said that democracy has been strengthened up to grass-root level and people are electing their own leaders at Panchayat, block and district level, which never happened in history of State earlier. Even people who were talking about separate nation earlier are now taking part in the electoral process, while swearing to the Indian constitution. As committed on the floor of Parliament, statehood will also be restored to J&K and there is every likelihood of this happening during the tenure of present BJP-led Government at Centre, if situation is feasible.
This was stated by the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah in a 30 minutes exclusive interview with Daily Excelsior Executive Editor, Neeraj Rohmetra. During the interview Shah touched on various subjects including PM’s vision with reference to J&K, poll strategy of BJP, strengthening of democracy, developmental agenda, dynastic politics of Kashmir based parties, reservations issues, fight against terrorism, dialogue with Pakistan and several other issues. Following are the excerpts of the interview.
Q. While abrogating Article 370 in 2019, the Prime Minister and you certainly had a vision behind the decision. Five years down the line, do you think that your vision is fulfilled?
Ans: Primarily, there were three goals behind the abrogation of Article 370. The first one was enshrining social justice and harmony at the centrality of Jammu and Kashmir’s society and governance. The second goal was to make the ideological destination since 1950 of one flag, one Prime Minister, and one Constitution a reality. The third goal was to usher in a new era of peace, security, and development by eliminating the separatist ideologies that led to the demand for autonomy and finally terrorism.
As far as the question of social justice and harmony is concerned, we have achieved 100% success. Earlier, the people of Jammu and Kashmir did not have proper democratic rights and elections of the panchayats, tehsil and district panchayats were not held for a long time. But we conducted those elections and gave the society these democratic rights. The women too in Jammu and Kashmir endured injustice and after the abrogation of Article 370, that too ended. We also resolved issues pertaining to reservations for Gujjars, Paharis, Dalits and OBCs. In a way, the social justice that people were left deprived of by the Congress and National Conference was delivered to them. It is not that social justice is meant only for our sisters and brothers in Jammu. There are also poor OBC Muslims in the valley, in Poonch, Rajouri, and Doda. A big section of the beneficiaries are our Muslim brothers, especially the Gujjar community. Even their rights were deprived by the three ruling families. But the BJP’s Modi Government gave it to them.
The dream of separatism has been axed by the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A and the youth have now decided that they want to live in Bharat. This stopped the making of the raw material for forces promoting terrorism. As a journalist, you must have noticed that never before have foreign terrorists been eliminated in such big numbers. It is so because the local youths have distanced themselves from terrorism and aren’t providing any support to them. This is our biggest success. Since terrorism has ended, therefore the process of development has accelerated. In a way, we have fulfilled all our three goals with immense success. Q. You have talked about the BJP’s ideological goal, which apparently is nation-building through national unity. How do you think the abrogation of Article 370 has helped that cause?
Ans: Jammu and Kashmir today is as good as any other region in India. Secondly, the process of development has started. Terrorism has declined drastically. We have also fulfilled the dream of social justice. As a Karyakarta of the BJP, I believe that we have fulfilled the goal for which Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee laid down his life. We have also realised the dream of Pandit Premnath Dogra. Owing to the peace that prevails in Jammu and Kashmir today, children from all around the nation come here for education today, and tourists flock the streets and meadows of Jammu and Kashmir. When they return, they do so with a message of unity, which is the founding emotion that binds the nation as one single unit. Q. Don’t you think that the problems we see on the surface are symptomatic of the maladies that lie deeper in the governance and politics, and development may not be the only antidote to them?
Ans: I agree that there is still a long way for us to go. The politics here is in the clutches of three families. We want natural leadership to emerge, and no one should be left at the mercy of three families. In the next 5 to 10 years, natural leadership will emerge from the tehsil and district panchayats and will go to the Assembly and Parliament and shoulder the responsibility of Jammu and Kashmir, providing it with true leadership. The defeat of Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah in the last Lok Sabha election mark the defeat of dynasticism and victory of democracy. Now people want to elect leaders among themselves and continue the victory march of democracy. Never before have the Shias, the Paharis, and the Gujjars had such an opportunity. This is the first time they are getting it. So the question about who won the election is insignificant. But dynasticism has lost the election-that is important.
Q. Elections in Jammu and Kashmir have been the cause of crisis instead of a celebration of democracy. Would you assert that this election is different?
Ans: When was the last time you heard of 57% or 58% voting taking place in the valley? Perhaps you don’t even remember such an occasion. Election authorities used to rejoice in just 10% voting terming it as a major success. Now those days are over. On account of the delimitation, the involvement and enthusiasm of the people have led them to come out in large numbers and vote. It is the success of the Narendra Modi Government that the people who sought a separate nation today have come forward to contest elections adhering to our constitution.
Q. Kashmir based political parties are also demanding restarting talks with Pakistan.
Ans: As long as terrorism is not stopped, there can be no question of talks.
Q. Do you think that the BJP can form a government with an absolute majority in Jammu and Kashmir?
Ans: Even the BJP’s habitual critics agree, though reluctantly, that in the last five years Jammu and Kashmir has gone through a comprehensive transformation in all fronts of development. Whether it is peace or the massive boost in agriculture, tourism, and agriculture, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed prosperity like never before. Even in the arena of social justice, it has set brilliant records. The stark difference between the BJP and the three dynastic parties is now openly visible. A new dawn has ushered and this has emboldened people’s trust in Modi Ji. People are candid about their belief that it is only Modi Ji who can continue this flow of development. People do not have an iota of doubt in their minds that they are going to give the Modi Ji-led BJP a grand opportunity to accelerate the development of Jammu and Kashmir.
Q. Will the BJP have a Chief Ministerial candidate or will it continue without it?
Ans: Development initiated by Modi Ji has always been the BJP’s agenda in every election it has contested. It is more so in the case of Jammu and Kashmir, because for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Modi Ji is their face of development. Like all other elections in this election too, we are contesting under the leadership of Modi Ji.
Q. Is your stand on PoK still the same as before?
Ans: Even today I have said that Jaha huye balidaan Mujkherjee wo Kashmir Hamara hai. I referred to the complete Kashmir. There are no two ways about it. The PoK belongs to Bharat, and that should return to us.
- Q. Is there a possibility of a post-poll alliance if an absolute majority is not achieved?
Ans: It is difficult to make a comment on this right now, but we will not ally with the three dynastic parties.
Q. What is your estimation about the seats that the BJP can win?
Ans: I do not want to state any estimation as of now. But I want to appeal to the people of Jammu and Kashmir that they should vote for whichever party they want, but what is important is that they should exercise their franchise. They should vote for the people, who can ensure peace in Jammu and Kashmir. They should not vote for the people who took refuge in London, leaving Jammu and Kashmir behind when terrorism erupted.
Q. There are acrimonies within the party organisation during the ticket distribution process, which is normal for any party.
Ans: Our party is a lively and democratic party because of which such acrimonies may occur.
Q. For the first time ever, the Paharis, Bakarwals, and Gujjars are getting reservations. But the National Conference, an ally of the Congress, is opposing it. This is a strange irony ?
Ans: This agenda actually belongs to the National Conference, but the Congress is with them. If they win, then they will certainly revoke the reservation. They are not using very harsh language on reservation because there is an election ahead. But I want to ask the people of Jammu and Kashmir how they will get reservations if Article 370 is reinstated. People need to understand that if Congress wins, then the OBCs, no matter whether they are Hindus or Muslims, Gujjars or Paharis, even dalits will lose the benefits of reservations. Q. Don’t you think that the return of these agendas to the mainstream of public discourse may rapture the process of peace and development, making the path ahead for reconciliation difficult?
Ans: Actually, both the Congress and the NC should beg forgiveness from the people of Jammu and Kashmir for all the sins they committed. Both of these parties are responsible for what the people of Jammu and Kashmir suffered for so many decades. They with their acts of omission and commission pushed Jammu and Kashmir into the abyss of corruption and the hellfire of violence. But instead of being remorseful of what they did in the past, they have rather come up with the same regressive agenda of dividing society and discriminating with ruthless brazenness. This shows that they have no repentance and do not care about correcting their ways. I would rather suggest they beg forgiveness from the people.
Q. People with separatist backgrounds too are contesting the election this time ?
Ans: If the people who were asking for a separate nation and autonomy earlier are now contesting elections, then I believe that it is a big success for our constitution.
Q. Don’t you think their emergence will give voice to these separatist elements?
Ans. Any voice raised while abiding by the democratic process is welcome. The process of raising the voice should be democratic and not destructive.
Q. You have worked extensively on bringing youths back to the mainstream. Five years down the line what difference do you see on the streets of the valley.
Ans: Today the people of Kashmir have experienced better law and order and other facilities. The youths who were involved in stone-pelting now have joined the mainstream of development. The Kashmir which was once infamous for stone-pelting and bandhs has witnessed incidents of stone-pelting coming down to zero. Compared to the year 2010, when there were 2,654 incidents of organized stone pelting, the number has now decreased to zero. The people who were involved in stone-pelting are now hoisting the Tiranga at their homes. This is a matter of pride for me and the entire nation.
Q. Opposition leaders are also saying that they will exonerate the government servants, who have faced legal proceedings due to their involvement in terrorism.
Ans: The battle against terrorism on all fronts, whether it is against the overground workers, government servants, or terrorists, will not only continue but also be strengthened. The BJP is the biggest well-wisher of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. But if anyone talks against the integrity of the nation then we will deal him with harshness. As far as the question of the National Conference is concerned, standing with the anti-national forces has become their habit and people will give them the answer.
Q. There have been some incidents in Jammu region where the security forces have not been able to track the terrorists after incidents.
Ans: No, we have kept complete track. I want to tell the people of Jammu and Kashmir that we will not let terrorism return and will keep it under control. For the first time, the J&K police is fighting terror shoulder to shoulder with CAPFs and the Army.
Q. Pakistan is still continuing with the agenda of fomenting trouble in J&K.
Ans: Our promise of a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir does not depend on the policy of any other nation. It depends on our strength and no matter what policy any other country adopts; it can make no difference.
Q. But you have conducted talks with insurgent groups in the Northeast. Is there any scope like that in J&K?
Ans: Even in the Northeast, we have talked to the people who have surrendered weapons. We can talk to anyone who renounces arms.
Q. It is said that despite the elections, most of the powers will still remain with the LG despite constitution of the proposed Legislative Assembly.
Ans: You did the right thing by asking this question. I have said on the floor of the Parliament that after the assembly election, once the situation normalises, we will return statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The Congress and the NC’s claim that they will return is Statehood is laughable, because the power to do the same rests with Modi Ji. He is there for at least five more years; then how can they do it? They are misleading the people. They are demanding full statehood of Jammu and Kashmir, which we have already agreed to deliver. Why have they kept it in their demands?
Q. Will the return of statehood happen in this term itself?
Ans: In all likelihood. We want to decide on it as early as possible after considering the situation.
Q. The return of the Kashmiri pandits has been one of the major issues. How do you plan to roll it out?
Ans: We have already arranged for the return of 6,000 people. We have included it in our manifesto and made the announcement.
Q. Regional development authorities have also been proposed. How do you plan to proceed with that?
Ans: Let me give an example here. Pahalgam and Peer Panjal- both have similar tourism potential, natural beauty, and atmosphere, but Pahalgam was favoured and Peer Panjal was ignored. We will end this history of discrimination. Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed record-breaking tourist footfalls in the last year. As many as 2 crore tourists flocked on the streets, making the tourism industry soar. We have decided to build a tourist city by connecting by 7 lakes. This will ensure the balanced development of Jammu and Kashmir. We have also said that we will make Dal Lake the best water tourism spot in the world and the Tatto Ground will be made a tourist spot. These tourist friendly initiatives will enhance the tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
Q. What are your plans for development of Peer Panjal region, which lacked development despite having immense tourist potential?
Ans. We will end the step motherly attitude of the earlier NC and PDP government towards the Peer Panjal area. We propose to building a tourist hub in Rajouri, which will be equipped with latest tourism infrastructure like Pahalgam. We will build a big tourist spot by connecting seven lakes there and also Dal Lake will be developed as a global standard tourist centre. A big amusement park will be built in Tatto ground.
Q. You have talked about publishing a white paper about origin of terrorism in J&K.
Ans: Actually, I have never seen a party as hypocritical as the Congress. They presented a white paper before Sheikh Abdullah in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. Subsequently, they kept Sheikh Abdullah for 10 years in jail, accusing him of treason and then took a sudden u-turn and released him from jail and destroyed all the documents against him. I want to ask Rahul Gandhi whether he has ever read those documents and knows what charges his party levelled against Abdullah. It is as necessary to know how terrorism began as it is to end terrorism. I think the family members of the 40,000 people in Jammu and Kashmir whom we lost to terrorism and the families of thousands of martyred security personnel have the right to know because of whose mistakes they are no more with us.
Q. Five new districts have been created in Ladakh but there are still many demands to be fulfilled.
Ans: People will certainly have their demands. But I want to ask the people of Ladakh that even during the NC and Congress rules they raised the demand to make Ladakh a separate Union Territory. But they never fulfilled that demand and now they are talking about the welfare of the people of Ladakh. They had the demand to create five new districts. That demand too was not fulfilled by the NC and the Congress. So it is quite evident that only the Modi government can fulfil the demands of the people of Ladakh and secure their democratic rights.
Q. Peace has slowly descended the valley. But for the people of Jammu what has changed in the last five years.
Ans: After a long period, the people of Jammu have got what they needed without having to agitate, due to the efforts of the Modi government. Earlier, the people of Jammu had to resort to agitations, endure lathi charges, and sometimes even bullets merely for an Amarnath Yatra or development works. Earlier, Jammu had to beg for their rights. Only Narendra Modi Ji returned their rights and their pride. I want to appeal to the people of Jammu not to go for the people who crushed their pride and rights. Strengthen the rights of Modi Ji and vote for the BJP across Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban and Jammu.
Q. What do you think are the main issues the BJP manifesto for Jammu and Kashmir seeks to address?
Ans: The main goal that the BJP Sankalp Patra tends to achieve is leading Jammu and Kashmir to the next level of development. Over the last five years, due to Modi Ji’s relentless efforts, the region has experienced unprecedented development through sustained peace. Now Jammu and Kashmir is ready to take the next stride of becoming a global tourist destination. In pursuit of this goal, Modi Ji has envisioned the all-round development of Jammu and Kashmir through a series of measures that are to be rolled out after we form a government.
We have decided that for the development of women, we will introduce the Maa Samman Yojana and assist the seniormost woman in every family every year with a grant of Rs. 18,000. We will waive the interests in bank loans of the SHG groups and give two free LPG cylinders to Ujwala beneficiaries. Under Pandit Premnath Dogra Rozgar Yojana 5 lakh employment opportunities will be created. Under Pragati Shiksha Yojana, Rs.3000 will be paid to college students every year as travelling allowance. We will give coaching fees reimbursement up to Rs.10,000 for two years for the preparation of JKPSC and UPSC exams and will reimburse the travel cost to examination centres, tablet and laptops will be given to higher secondary students living in far flung areas. We will set up three regional development boards. IT hubs will be set up in Jammu and Kashmir and Pharmaceutical Park will be built in Udhampur, Ayush herbal park in Kishtwar and Tawi river front will be developed to meet global standards. Lake Development Authority will be constituted to develop Ranjeet Sagar Baandh as tourist spot. Presently, due to the lucrative investment policy brought by us, Kashmir has received three times more investment than in the past 70 years.
We will advance it further and to resolve the issues faced by the 7000 local business units that were in existence prior to the industrial policy and will give a separate package. We will also regularise the lease deeds of the local trading units. We propose to give 5 marlas of land to the landless and homes will be built for them by the Modi government. Drinking water will be provided in every home and the government will add a subsidy of Rs. 10,000 per home under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana. Old age pension and handicapped pension will be increased to Rs 3,000. Seats in government medical colleges will be increased by 1000 in three years. Rs.10,000 will be given under PM Kisan Nidhi and electricity bills will be reduced by 50% for agricultural activities. We propose 20% quota for Agniveers from Jammu and Kashmir. The issues faced by the adhoc contractual employees will be solved, 10,000 km of new roads will be built and entire Jammu and Kashmir will be connected through metro. Nearly 1,000 temples that fell prey to terror will also be restored.
Q. Apart from the robust peace initiatives, what else do you think sets the BJP apart from its rivals in this election?
Ans: Jammu and Kashmir was in dire need of educational facilities. During the Modi regime, approximately 55 colleges have been given recognition. The ‘Aao School Chalein’ scheme has been introduced under the New Education Policy. As many as 45 Atal Tinkering Labs, two AIIMS, IIT, IIM, Yunani Hospital, and many other institutions of higher education have been opened here.
For the last 70 years, we have seen that children from Jammu and Kashmir used to go outside for studies because the environment was not seen as congenial here. But today students from all over India come here for studies and return with a good message.
Jammu and Kashmir was running short of revenue. But we have built a slew of hydropower projects with Rs. 22,500 crore to supply revenue. Hydropower projects in Pakaltul, Shahpur, Ratle, Trar, and Kiru have been set up. After these projects are complete, they will make Jammu and Kashmir revenue surplus. Meticulously planned development goes hand in hand with peace. Q. How Congress party has endorsed the NC manifesto despite serious contradiction on several issues?
Ans: It is an unforgivable sin on the part of the Congress and the National Conference to make such brazen attempts to push Jammu and Kashmir back to the dark old days of despondency by coming up with regressive agendas. Look at their agendas. They are saying that they will reintroduce a separate flag and they want to reinstate Article 370.
The Congress and the NC want to take away reservations of Gujjar, Bakarwal, Pahari and OBC of our Dalit brothers. However, no matter how hard Rahul Gandhi tries, we will not let them touch these reservations. After abrogation of Article 370 for the first time, women in Jammu and Kashmir have got their rights. But today the NC and the Congress want to take those rights away. They want to release the people involved in terrorism and stone-pelting from jail so that they can wreak havoc in Jammu, Poonch, Rajouri, and Doda. When Modi Ji formed government, he put the people funding terrorist activities behind bars. But they say that they want to resume the LoC trade with Pakistan so that the profit generated from this trade can be used for terror funding. They say that they want to resume dialogue with Pakistan. Q. Terrorism is the single biggest issue in Jammu and Kashmir. How different has been your form of governance with that provided by PDP and the National Conference in tackling it?
Ans: There is a remarkable difference between the policies adopted by our Modi ji led Government. There has been a 70% decline in violence. Bandhs and stone-pelting have come down to zero. There has been reduction in civilian deaths by 80% and total deaths by 66%. The youths have renounced violence and opted for education. Holistic development is observed everywhere in J&K. The days of violence and rift are now gone. This also shows that the people in the valley do not want extremism. The BJP is working to win the hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the Congress-NC are working to get votes.
Reins of Congress are in the hands of NC
They want to rename Shankaracharya Peak as Takht-E-Sulaiman. The three families holding the reins of Congress, NC, and PDP in Jammu and Kashmir have looted thousands and thousands of crores. They want to push Jammu and Kashmir into the abyss of corruption and intend to restore the previous system.
The Congress is endorsing this agenda with its silence on it. They have no other option. The voter of Jammu should understand that the Congress party is at the mercy of the National Conference.
