High voter turnout in J&K validates Modi govt’s Kashmir policy: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that the Modi government’s Kashmir policy has been validated by the high voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir, noting that even separatists participated “overwhelmingly” in the recent polls. He assured that assembly elections in the region will be conducted before September 30, with the process of restoring statehood to follow.

In an interview with PTI on Saturday, Shah confirmed, “I have said in Parliament that we will give the statehood after the assembly elections.” He highlighted the completion of essential processes, including surveys of backward classes and the delimitation of Assembly and Lok Sabha constituencies. “We have completed the delimitation process. The reservation can be given only after this process is completed to understand the status of various castes. That has been done. Lok Sabha elections are also over in Jammu and Kashmir. Next is the assembly election which will be held before the Supreme Court deadline.”

The Supreme Court, on December 11, 2023, directed the Election Commission of India to hold elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30, 2024.

Shah emphasized the significant change in attitudes in the Kashmir Valley, reflected in the high voter turnout in the Lok Sabha elections. “Voting percentage has increased. Some people used to say that people of the valley do not believe in the Indian Constitution. But this election was held under the Indian Constitution, as Kashmir’s Constitution is no longer there. People who once sought a separate country, those who wanted to join Pakistan, even they cast their votes overwhelmingly,” he said.

Calling this a major victory for democracy and a success of the Modi government’s decade-long Kashmir policy, Shah noted the highest voter turnout in decades for the three Kashmir valley seats: Srinagar (38.49%), Baramulla (59.1%), and Anantnag-Rajouri (53%).

When asked why the BJP did not field any candidates in the Lok Sabha elections in the Kashmir Valley, Shah explained that the party is focused on strengthening its organization in the region. “We will definitely put up our candidates in the future. Our organization is expanding and is in the process of strengthening.”

On the subject of the potential merger of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) with Jammu and Kashmir, Shah expressed his personal belief that PoJK could have been part of India in 1947-48, if not for a premature ceasefire by the Jawaharlal Nehru government. “Had the ceasefire been declared four days later, PoJK would have been with us,” he said, emphasizing that any discussion on this topic requires serious deliberation.

“The merger of PoJK is part of the BJP’s manifesto and was affirmed by a unanimous Parliamentary resolution, which included votes from the Congress party,” he added.
Shah concluded by underscoring the importance of the issue for the country and the need for comprehensive discussions on the future of PoJK.