Srinagar: BJP leader Shazia Ilmi has strongly reacted to former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s remarks on the recent voter turnout and the presence of foreign delegates during the second phase of elections in the region.
Ilmi, in her sharp response, accused Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar of “begging before Pakistan” and criticized the opposition for questioning the BJP’s governance in Jammu and Kashmir.
Omar Abdullah had earlier commented that the lower voter turnout in Srinagar could be attributed to the central government’s portrayal of the election as a sign of normalcy following the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah also criticized the government’s move to bring foreign delegates to observe the elections, suggesting it was part of a larger effort to project the abrogation as widely accepted.
Responding to this, Shazia Ilmi lashed out at the opposition, stating that Mani Shankar Aiyar’s actions were tantamount to “pleading before Pakistan” and undermining India’s position on Kashmir. She also took aim at Rahul Gandhi accusing him of trying to take domestic issues to foreign countries during his international tours.
Ilmi further defended the BJP’s achievements in Jammu and Kashmir post-2019, highlighting improvements in infrastructure, medical education, and employment. “Before 2019, there were only a few colleges in the region, but now there are numerous medical colleges. The number of MBBS seats has increased, and we have provided 8 lakh jobs to the youth. Ambulance services and other healthcare infrastructure have significantly improved,” she said.
She also touted the success of the tourism sector claiming that tourism in the valley had surged by 200% under BJP’s administration. “The opposition, including Omar Abdullah, is clearly scared of the developments in the region under the BJP,” she added.
Ilmi reassured that despite the opposition’s criticism, the BJP will remain firmly established in Kashmir and continue to work for its development. “Elections will be conducted, and with a population of 1.40 crore in J&K, the people have seen the positive changes under BJP. We will not leave Kashmir; we are here to stay,” she emphasized.
Ilmi also reiterated the BJP’s broader vision for Jammu and Kashmir, outlining plans for further development in education, healthcare, and job creation. According to her, the government has focused on expanding educational opportunities by opening more institutions and increasing the number of available seats for students pursuing professional courses.
Additionally, the BJP claims to have improved the region’s infrastructure and employment opportunities, offering thousands of jobs and regularizing 1000 casual labourers in various sectors. The party is also focused on addressing local issues, particularly in areas like healthcare and rural development.
The political spat between BJP and regional parties like the National Conference (led by Omar Abdullah) reflects the deep divide over the handling of Kashmir’s post-Article 370 status, with both sides accusing each other of misrepresenting the situation to serve their political narratives. (CNS)
Shazia slams Omar’s remarks on foreign delegates
