SRINAGAR: BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh criticised National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday for his comment regarding the absence of G20 meetings in Jammu.
Chugh questioned why Abdullah felt pained by the organisation of an international event in Srinagar after many years. He urged the former chief minister not to impede the progress of Jammu and Kashmir.
On Monday, Abdullah criticised the government, expressing his disappointment that G20 meetings were scheduled in Ladakh and Kashmir but not in Jammu. He also rebuked BJP leaders for not raising this issue.
In response, Chugh reacted to Abdullah’s remark by saying, “I want to ask Farooq Abdullah what pains you about the holding of an international event in Srinagar after many years? Why should it not be held in Srinagar? Why do you hold animosity towards the beliefs, development, and progress in Jammu and Kashmir? Why do you envy the people’s faith in the Prime Minister?” Chugh, the BJP representative for Jammu and Kashmir, queried.
Chugh said Farooq Abdullah remains a pawn in the hands of Pakistan. Chugh affirmed that Jammu and Kashmir would not halt its journey towards peace and development. He stated, “G20 will open up a new path for the rapid progress of tourism, industries, and trade in Jammu and Kashmir. The people of J-K are moving forward, so do not hinder this progress of J-K,” as he addressed Abdullah directly.
When asked about senior leader Ghulam Nabi Azad’s concerns regarding the delay in holding assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Chugh assured that the polls would take place. He added, “The BJP-led central government conducted DDC (District Development Council), BDC (Block Development Council), and Panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir, with thousands of people being elected.”
The BJP leader highlighted that the high voter turnout reflected the people’s faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He remarked, “Each DDC member won by thousands of votes. Such a turnout was not seen during Lok Sabha elections. People voted openly and expressed their full faith in democracy and the Prime Minister.”
Chugh affirmed that all efforts had been made to ensure peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir since the nullification of Article 370 on 5th August 2019. He emphasised the government’s zero tolerance for militancy and stated that the number of militant attacks, incidents, and militants had reduced. According to Chugh, Jammu and Kashmir had made significant progress towards development.
