SRINAGAR: In a pointed criticism of the Gandhi and Abdullah families, former Union Minister and Member of Parliament, Anurag Singh Thakur, accused the two political dynasties of backing “terrorists and separatists” in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the media in Jammu, Thakur asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would not permit these leaders to push through their divisive agendas. “During their rule, Jammu and Kashmir became synonymous with conflict, terrorism, and instability. But today, we see a Jammu and Kashmir progressing on the path of peace, development, and prosperity,” Thakur remarked.
He credited the transformation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, emphasising the government’s commitment to the people of the region. “This change isn’t just political; it’s due to PM Modi’s unwavering dedication to the people of Kashmir. Under his leadership, Kashmir has found a new direction,” he added.
Thakur’s sharpest criticism was reserved for the proposal by the Gandhi-Abdullah families to repeal the Public Safety Act (PSA) in Jammu & Kashmir. “They want to release separatists, prisoners, and terrorists. They are ready to strip the people of Jammu & Kashmir of their hard-earned rights,” he warned.
He firmly stated that the BJP would not allow this to happen. “The Modi government has always stood against terrorism and separatism. Why do the Gandhi-Abdullah families want to free the enemies of the country? Why do they want to disrupt the peace of Jammu & Kashmir again?” he questioned.
Thakur went on to accuse the two families of sympathising with “drug traffickers, terrorists, and stone-pelters”. He reminded the audience of the lavish lifestyles the three families enjoyed while depriving Jammu & Kashmir of its due. “Now, Omar Abdullah, despite previously stating he wouldn’t contest elections, is running in two constituencies—and he’s struggling in both,” Thakur added.
The BJP leader also highlighted the benefits brought to marginalised communities after the revocation of Article 370. “Valmikis, Gurkhas, refugees from West Pakistan, and Gujjar-Bakarwals now have rights and reservations. The National Conference, Congress, and PDP want to strip these rights away,” he claimed.
Thakur criticised the Gandhi family for only visiting Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. “After 60 years of Congress rule, Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi had never come to play in the snow of Kashmir. It was only after PM Modi’s move that they enjoyed holidays here. Now they want to reinstate Article 370, which would only reignite the flames of terrorism and separatism,” he added.
Reflecting on the decades of suffering in Jammu & Kashmir, Thakur stated that the region had paid the price for the mistakes of the Gandhi-Abdullah families. “Under PM Modi, Jammu & Kashmir has witnessed development and peace, and the people will no longer be fooled by the empty promises of these dynasties.”
Thakur concluded by expressing confidence that the BJP would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections, as the people of Jammu & Kashmir have grown weary of the dynastic parties that, in his words, exploited the region for their own political gain.
