Conference (NC) and Congress during a series of rallies in Jammu, asserting that only the Lotus, symbol of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), can crush terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and establish peace, while the NC and Congress would bring only death and destruction.
Shah, addressing back-to-back rallies in Chenani, Udhampur, Jasrota, and Marh areas of Jammu, which are going to polls in the third phase, targeted both parties for allegedly promising to release jailed terrorists and stone-pelters.
“Article 370 was the root cause of terrorism and separatism in Jammu and Kashmir. Due to this, 40,000 people lost their lives,” Shah remarked, adding that the NC and Congress are now advocating for the return of Article 370 and the release of imprisoned terrorists and stone-pelters. “This is Modi’s government, not that of the Abdullahs. Even your five generations will not be able to bring back Article 370,” Shah said, addressing NC leader Farooq Abdullah’s call for its restoration.
Shah accused the NC-Congress alliance of being responsible for the rise of terrorism in J&K and the deaths of thousands. “Farooq Sahab speaks of restoring Article 370 and hoisting two flags in Jammu and Kashmir. But I assure him, as long as we are in power, this will never happen,” Shah said. He also slammed the Congress, saying, “Indira Gandhi once jailed Sheikh Abdullah, calling him anti-national, but later withdrew her charges under pressure from the NC.”
He promised to issue a white paper to expose the role of Abdullahs and Gandhis in the spread of terrorism, holding them accountable for the deaths of 40,000 people.
Shah further emphasized that under BJP rule, there has been no stone-pelting in Kashmir for the past three years. “The BJP has crushed terrorism. Tazia processions were taken out after 33 years, cinemas have reopened after decades, and festivals like Janmashtami, Mela Kheer Bhawani, and Ganpati are celebrated at Lal Chowk and across Kashmir,” Shah highlighted, in contrast to previous regimes.
Taking a dig at former Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, Shah added, “This is the same Lal Chowk where Shinde admitted he was afraid to visit, despite being Home Minister. Today, under Modi’s leadership, Kashmir has undergone a remarkable transformation.”
Amit Shah also hit back at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for calling Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha an outsider. “Rahul Baba said that the LG is an outsider, but let me remind him that during the Congress regime, President’s rule was imposed several times in J&K, with all the Governors being outsiders. Even under Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, Jammu and Kashmir was often under central rule, yet no one complained then.”
Shah reminded the crowd that the first-ever Assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir is now being held under the full ambit of the Indian Constitution, under one flag, and promised to end the long-standing discrimination against the Dogra community in Jammu.
At another rally in Kathua, Amit Shah reiterated that Congress was responsible for imposing President’s rule multiple times in J&K, while crediting BJP’s efforts for the end of terrorism in the region, which has led to record voter turnout. “Thanks to the eradication of terrorism, Jammu and Kashmir have seen a historic 55% voting turnout. Democracy has been strengthened here. No longer will people win elections by just 8,000 votes. Those days are over,” Shah said.
He emphasized that BJP’s policies have empowered local representatives, such as Panchs and Sarpanchs, and eradicated nepotism. “For decades, the NC, Congress, and PDP promoted dynastic politics. Today, the youth of J&K are shaping their future through participation in democracy, thanks to Modi Ji’s leadership,” Shah added.
Shah labeled the NC-Congress alliance as opportunistic, alleging that their victory would mean celebrations in Pakistan. “If BJP wins, celebrations will happen across India. But if NC and Congress win, there will be fireworks in Pakistan. Do you want Pakistan to celebrate?” he questioned the audience.
Shah also targeted Rahul Gandhi’s statement on reservations, accusing him of wanting to end the reservation system if Congress comes to power. “We will not allow Rahul Gandhi to end reservations. BJP stands firm in its commitment to justice and equality,” he declared.
In the hilly regions of Bani, Shah said that the BJP-led government will not allow even the “shadow of terrorism” over the region. “We have strengthened the Village Defence Guards (VDGs), giving them INSAS rifles to fight terrorism,” he said. Kathua and its surrounding regions had seen a spate of terrorist incidents earlier this year, prompting the government to take serious measures.
Shah extended an olive branch to the terrorists still active in J&K, urging them to surrender. “If terrorists want to talk, they must lay down their arms first. Look at the Northeast, where 10,000 people surrendered,” Shah said. He warned that those who continue violence will face the full might of the Indian security forces.
The Home Minister slammed opposition parties for asking for talks with Pakistan and reopening cross-border trade. “They want to do ‘ILU ILU’ with Pakistan. But we will not engage in talks with Pakistan or resume trade. PM Modi has closed these doors,” Shah reiterated.
With the final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls scheduled for October 1, Shah concluded by promising that the BJP would restore statehood to J&K, underlined by peace and democracy. He urged voters to support BJP candidates to ensure a secure and prosperous future for the Union Territory.
