New Delhi: BJP today said it has neither diluted its stand on abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir nor sidelined the issue in the assembly poll campaign in the state.
It said it was contesting the assembly polls in the state on the planks of providing corruption-free and dynasty-free government and development of the state.
The remarks by BJP came after it came under sharp attack from opposition parties for diluting or deviating from its stand on abrogation of Article 370 in the state during campaigning for assembly polls.
BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said Article 370 was a national issue and was thus not the only issue raised during campaigning for J&K assembly polls.
“There has been a lot of discussion on the issue of Article 370, including those by our opponents. We have neither left any issue nor sidelined the issue. We are going to polls with all issues...
“Instead of Article 370, the issue that this Vidhan Sabha poll is being contested is for providing a corruption-free, a dynasty-free government that ensures development of the state.
That is why we are raising these issues more,” Hussain said.
The BJP leader said Article 370 was an important issue not just for Jammu and Kashmir but also for the whole nation as emotions of the entire nation were involved.
“We have neither left the issue nor abandoned it. The question is that J&K polls are being held for providing a good government. To say that we have left one issue and not the others is not right. We are contesting on all issues,” he said.
Hussain claimed the people of the state were fed up with the regimes of three families - the Nehrus, the Abdullahs and the Muftis, and want a change and are supporting a government in the name of Narendra Modi.
“People of J&K have faith in Narendra Modi and you will see shocking results of the assembly polls this time,” he said.
While campaigning in Ramban today, BJP chief Amit Shah today said integration of Jammu and Kashmir was crucial in these polls and only a BJP government can make it happen, without directly raking up its pet theme of abrogation of Article 370 that gives special status to the state.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said BJP was talking in different voices in different parts of the state on the issue of Article 370 of the Constitution.
“BJP itself is talking in different voices. In Jammu, they talk about abrogating Article 370 and in the Valley they say that if people want, it will remain (in the constitution),” Omar told reporters after filing his nomination papers from Beerwah assembly segment in central Kashmir Budgam district.
Omar expressed hope that whenever Prime Minister Narendra Modi comes to Kashmir, things will be clearer on the issue.
“I am sure once the Prime Minister comes here, things will be clearer,” he said.
