Srinagar/ Jammu: today said political parties in Jammu and Kashmir were using "expired issues" like the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution as a "security cover" for their "round-the-year corruption and loot".
"The issue of Article 370 (which accords special powers to J&K) is being raised only by those who loot the interests and concerns of the people for 365 days a year. They are using Article 370 as a security cover for their corruption and loot," BJP leader and Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told reporters in Srinagar.
Naqvi said the BJP never claimed to abrogate the article, but some people were trying to create an illusion among the people for political gains.
"We never said we are going to abrogate Article 370 or are fighting the polls on the issue... We have said there can be discussions on the issue and discussions can happen on every issue. We are a democratic and an open country and there can be a discussion over it. It is not a religious script which cannot be discussed," Naqvi said.
Meanwhile, addressing election rallies on the last day of campaigning in Pancheri area of Reasi district, Minister of State in the PMO Jitendra Singh said if voted to power BJP would institute an inquiry committee to investigate into the misappropriation of central funds in the state.
"BJP will institute an inquiry committee to investigate into misappropriation of central funds by certain individuals and families from time to time in the state," Singh said, "We will strive to establish democracy in true spirit where every youth will have the opportunity to grow in career as per his capabilities, calibre and diligence."
Union minister Naqvi said the elections this time were different from the earlier ones.
"This election is different... The atmosphere and mood of the people have changed. People have decided to vote on the issues of security, development, prosperity and good governance. Political parties like NC, PDP and Congress are trying to befool the people by raising the non-issues, issues that have expired and been rejected by the people," he said.
