BJP emerging as alternative in J&K: Khatana

Kupwara, Oct 16: Alleging that government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has failed to deliver despite receiving people’s mandate, Rajya Sabha MP Ghulam Ali Khatana on Friday said that Bharatiya Janata Party is emerging as “strong alternative” for the masses in Kashmir.
MP Khatana, while talking to reporters here in north Kashmir, said, “People placed their trust in the NC, but the Omar led government failed to address their concerns. Water charges, electricity tariff hikes and opening a transfer industry are glaring examples of the government’s shortcomings.”
He said the BJP is gradually expanding its political outreach in Kashmir despite facing challenges in the past. “There was a time when party workers faced social restrictions and diktats were issued against them. They (BJP workers) were not even allowed to sit in the community,” he said.
Khatana said the BJP has strengthened its presence in several parts of the Valley and had lost by narrow margins in places such as Shopian and Gurez, indicating that the party was gaining ground in the region.
He maintained that the BJP’s political engagement is not limited to electoral victories. “Party continues to work among people irrespective of election results,” he added.
“We never work only for winning elections; we keep working for the people, as Jammu and Kashmir is the crown of the country,” he said. (KNO)