Naveed ul Haq
Budgam, Oct 23: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary, Tarun Chugh on Thursday said that statehood for Jammu and Kashmir would be restored soon, reiterating that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah already announced this in Parliament and during their visits to the region.
Speaking to the media after addressing the BJP Budgam Assembly Constituency Convention at Alamdaar Colony, Mirgund, Chugh said that the decision on statehood has already been made by the Prime Minister in Parliament. “The Home Minister has also confirmed this. The process is underway, and it will happen soon,” he said.
Chugh accused Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of betraying the people of Budgam and failing to deliver on promises made in his manifesto despite being in office for over a year. “Omar Abdullah betrayed Budgam. Not a single commitment from his manifesto has been fulfilled. The public is ready to respond to that betrayal by voting for Aga Syed Mohsin in the Budgam by-elections,” he said.
The BJP leader dismissed Abdullah’s claims that the Lieutenant Governor’s administration was hindering governance. “Except for the police, all ministries are under your control. Your ministers are enjoying red-beacon cars and government bungalows meant for public service, not luxury,” he said. “Even senior National Conference leaders have acknowledged the government’s failure to keep its promises.”
Chugh accused the NC government of neglecting important areas like tourism. “Not a single new tourism project has been started. It’s PM Modi and the BJP who are working hard to make Jammu and Kashmir an international tourism hub,” he said.
The rally, part of the BJP’s ongoing campaign in Budgam, was attended by senior party leaders including J&K BJP President Sat Sharma, General Secretary (Organization) Ashok Koul, Vice-President Dr Shehnaz Ganai, State Secretary Mudasir Wani, Prabhari Budgam Sheikh Bashir, District President Ghazi Rahullah, and senior leaders Dr Ali Mohd Mir, Ashraf Azad, Sameer Shah, Imtiaz Ahmed, and Er. Aziz Hussain.
Chugh urged the people to support BJP candidate Aga Syed Mohsin. He said, “This election is not just about one seat; it’s about ending dynastic misrule and giving Budgam a leader who stands with the people. The BJP is committed to transparent governance, real development, and dignity for every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Sat Sharma, while addressing the rally, said the BJP has made significant progress in Jammu and Kashmir through consistent effort and the trust of the people. “The acceptance of BJP has grown across regions because the party represents every section and community. Today, people look to BJP with hope because it stands for everyone,” he said.
He added, “The Congress and its allies exploited the nation for years, while the Modi government has built a corruption-free system that serves the poor and marginalised.”
Ashok Koul said the BJP’s growing strength in Kashmir reflects the people’s faith in Prime Minister Modi’s vision. “The enthusiasm among the workers and people shows that J&K is ready for change. We are moving towards a new era of peace, progress, and empowerment,” he said.
Regarding the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, Chugh said the BJP is contesting on its own strength and expects to perform well.
