Srinagar: If you dig out dead issues like the Ram Temple one, then they become political, actor- turned-politician Vinod Khanna today said.
The BJP MP from Gurdaspur was responding to a question about Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik's assertion that Ram Temple should be built at Babri Masjid site.
"These should not become election issues. Everyone has his wishes and dreams. (Likewise) the dreams of the people of Kashmir are that there should be a change here," Khanna told reporters.
On a question of the alleged forced conversions in Agra, the BJP leader said "I think it has been responded to in the Parliament".
"There was a discussion over it in parliament yesterday and it has been responded to (by the government). But these (along with Ram Temple) issues are old. If you dig out dead issues, then they become political.
The BJP leader who is here to garner support for his party candidates, said the people of Kashmir should not lose the opportunity of making the situation better here.
"You have endured much pain for long and have gone through very much and there has been loot and bloodshed and there has been no development but now you have an opportunity to change the situation," Khanna told reporters here.
"My appeal to you is that you should not lose this opportunity. I am in the party and I know the qualities of the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi). Look at the way he has done development in Gujarat. Our other governments in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chattisgarh and Goa and now in Haryana and Maharashtra - everywhere people say that Modi has come and development will take place.
"And if you want to change the situation in Kashmir, then have a BJP government here. I assure you that the situation here will change very soon," he said.
Khanna said the image of the country under Modi had changed and the focus now was on development.
"I am here to appeal the people that the whole world is praising Modi for his programmes and schemes. The image of India has changed now and everyone is saying that it is a country where the whole focus is on development. People from the world over want to invest in India and end unemployment here. Every developed nation wants to have industries here," he said.
Khanna expressed hope that BJP will be able to fulfill its 'Mission 44+' and form the government in the state.
"The issues today are about what people want and who can work for you and bring in development. People here have understood that two families (Abdullah and Mufti) have ruled here and there is corruption, there is no development and the state government did not help the people during the floods.
They have understood what these governments could have done. They have to bring in a change for the things to get better," he said.
