Union Minister and BJP Candidate for Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency, Dr. Jitendra Singh, asserted that Basohli had been deliberately neglected by its past Congress representatives, including its MLAs and MPs.
Addressing a series of roadside meetings and public rallies en route from Kathua to Basohli, Dr. Jitendra Singh criticized the Congress MLAs and MPs elected by the people of Basohli for prioritizing the Kashmir-centric appeasement policy over the welfare of their own constituency. He accused them of contributing to regional discrimination against Basohli by aligning with their masters in Kashmir.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the significant developments witnessed in Basohli under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He emphasized that it was during the last decade that Basohli’s cultural treasures, such as Basohli painting and Basohli Pashmina, received GI Tag recognition and gained global acclaim. He questioned why such progress had not been achieved during over six decades of Congress rule.
Under the Modi government, Basohli witnessed improvements in road connectivity, leading to reduced travel time between Jammu and Basohli. Dr. Jitendra Singh asserted that Basohli deserves the status of a “Heritage Town,” a designation that the Modi government has initiated steps for.
Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated BJP’s support for a separate hill district comprising Basohli and Billawar regions, a cause they championed even when in opposition. He assured that the demand for separate districts would be addressed when the next District Reorganisation Committee is constituted under the NDA government.
Accompanied by various prominent leaders of the region, including DDC Chairman Col (Retd) Mahan Singh and BJP President Darshan Singh, Dr. Jitendra Singh conducted a whirlwind election tour of the area, engaging with local leaders and communities.
The BJP leader emphasized that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, Basohli is receiving its fair share of development and resources, marking a significant departure from the neglect witnessed under Congress rule.