Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jul 1: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday slammed the newly formed Peoples Alliance for Change (PAC), accusing it of echoing the same slogans of restoring Article 370 as the “non-existent” Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD).
Addressing a news conference, BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur said that the PAC has chosen to focus on the same demands for Article 370 and statehood as the Gupkar Alliance.
“A new alliance has emerged on the political horizon of Jammu & Kashmir. Everyone was hopeful they would bring something new to the table. But they are simply harping on the same slogans of Article 370 and statehood, just like the Gupkar Alliance,” Thakur stated.
He reiterated that Article 370 is a thing of the past, declaring, “It is dead and will not return, come what may.”
Thakur said that the party welcomes any political formation within the democratic framework, as long as it upholds national interest, unity, and integrity.
However, he warned that the BJP would firmly oppose any entity that works against these principles.
“We have no problem with alliances formed under democratic norms. But we will not allow anyone to speak against the nation or challenge the unity and integrity of India,” he said.
In a major political development, Peoples Conference, Jamaat-e-Islami backed Justice & Development Front and Peoples Democratic Front on Monday joined hands to form an alliance. In their declaration, they have pledged to strive for restoration of Article 370, Article 35A and statehood. (KNO)
