Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India]: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of exploiting the Kashmir issue for political gains, arguing that the abrogation of Article 370 has failed to resolve any of the region’s problems.
Speaking at a PDP membership drive, Mufti criticized the BJP’s approach, stating:
“They know that they have not solved any problem by abrogating Article 370. Amit Shah has to call a meeting every time something happens in Kashmir because he knows what he has done to Kashmir. All they want is vote,” she said.
Impact on Jammu’s Economy
Mufti warned the people of Jammu that the challenges in Kashmir extend beyond the valley and impact the entire region.
“The people of Jammu need to understand that the challenges in Kashmir are not solely Kashmir’s concern, but affect Jammu as well,” she emphasized.
She further criticized BJP’s economic policies, stating that Jammu’s local economy is suffering under the current administration.
“Today Jammu has nothing. Mining contracts are given to outsiders, all contractors are from outside. The working class is from outside as well,” she said, highlighting what she sees as economic neglect.
Questioning BJP’s Claims of Stability
Mufti also challenged BJP’s claims that Jammu & Kashmir has achieved stability post-Article 370 abrogation.
“The PM and Amit Shah sahib say that everything is well in Jammu & Kashmir. So, I ask them to open all routes (between India and Pakistan) to let them (Pakistan) come here and see how we live and what we have here,” she remarked.
According to Mufti, these claims of stability are a facade to mask the real challenges faced by the people of the region.
BJP’s Political Strategy on Kashmir
Mufti alleged that the BJP benefits politically from instability in Jammu & Kashmir.
“If Pakistan wants to keep this issue alive, then it also suits BJP that there are blasts and killings in Jammu & Kashmir so that they can raise Hindu-Muslim issues in the country,” she stated.
Her remarks come amid ongoing political debates surrounding the future of Jammu & Kashmir and the effectiveness of BJP’s policies in the region.