R S PURA, Aug 5: Union Minister G Kishan Reddy announced on Monday that the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in September. Addressing a rally at the Bana Singh Stadium, Reddy urged the people of the Union Territory to vote for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to continue the momentum of development and to combat terrorism.
Reddy, who is also the election in-charge for BJP in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighted the significant changes brought about by the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019. He credited the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government for curtailing the activities of Pakistan and its intelligence agency, ISI, and warned the neighboring country against supporting terrorism in the region.
“The Assembly elections will be held in September, and we are confident that the people will elect the BJP with a full majority. The changes brought by the BJP, including the revocation of Article 370 and the extension of B.R. Ambedkar’s Constitution to Jammu and Kashmir, have been transformative,” Reddy said.
The Union Minister took aim at opposition parties, particularly the Congress and National Conference, criticizing their stance on potentially re-implementing Article 370. He described their approach as one that has historically led to “death and destruction” through Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
Reddy emphasized the “proud moment” of Article 370’s abrogation, recalling the legacy of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mukherjee, who had laid down his life opposing the provision. He praised the abrogation as a step toward granting rights to women and other deprived sections of society, and denounced past issues like terrorism, stone-pelting, and the hoisting of Pakistani flags.
“The BJP is the only party capable of ensuring peace and preventing the revival of terrorism and separatism. We are committed to eradicating terrorism and protecting our citizens,” Reddy stated. He also issued a stern warning to Pakistan, promising that India would not tolerate any attempts to destabilize the region.
The rally was part of the BJP’s broader strategy to consolidate support ahead of the upcoming elections, with prominent leaders including BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh and J&K BJP president Ravinder Raina also addressing the gathering.