Khatana rallies for BJP in Poonch, says people reject dynastic politics

• Says J&K paying for Nehru’s mistakes; people will script their future by strengthening BJP

POONCH: Rallying for party candidates in Poonch district, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP, Er. Ghulam Ali Khatana, launched a scathing attack on the Congress and National Conference, accusing the parties of sowing discord in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a large gathering at Poonch Haveli after the party’s candidate Abdul Gani filed his nomination, Khatana asserted that the region is still paying the price for the seeds sown by India’s first Prime Minister, Jawahar Lal Nehru, and the National Conference.

“Jammu and Kashmir continues to suffer for the National Conference, a plant sown by Pandit Nehru, but the people are now awake. They will script their future by strengthening the BJP in the region,” said Khatana. He expressed confidence that Gani, who is contesting from the Poonch Haveli constituency, will secure a sweeping victory with a significant margin.

Khatana emphasized that the large turnout at the rally demonstrated the community’s commitment to reinforcing BJP’s presence. “The sea of people standing behind Gani Sahab is a clear indication of the people’s trust in the BJP’s vision for Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

The MP didn’t hold back from criticizing the Congress and National Conference, accusing them of exploiting the Muslim community for their political gains. He argued that both parties have long manipulated the region’s people for electoral success without delivering meaningful change.

“National Conference and Congress claim to be the champions of Muslims’ causes, but in reality, they have used the community for their personal gains. They sacrificed the interests of the people for their own benefits,” Khatana remarked. He added that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have now placed their trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, which has brought significant changes to governance in the region.

Accompanied by senior BJP leaders, including Ex-MLA from Himachal Pradesh, Jia Lal, and BJP district president Rakesh Raina, Khatana highlighted the progress under the Modi administration. He pointed to infrastructure development and the end of dynastic politics as proof that the BJP is bringing a fresh approach to governance in the Union Territory.

In his speech, Khatana revisited the controversial unilateral ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC), claiming it was part of Nehru’s larger conspiracy to benefit the National Conference. He argued that the Congress and National Conference have long pursued self-serving policies that have kept the region in political turmoil.

“People in Poonch are fed up with dynastic politics,” Khatana added, asserting that the electorate is ready for a change in governance. He further mentioned the positive reception he received in Surankote, where another BJP candidate, Mushtaq Bukhari, the previous day filed his nomination. “The turnout for Bukhari Sahab’s nomination was equally strong, reflecting the high hopes people have from the BJP leadership.”

Khatana emphasized that the BJP, under Modi’s leadership, is more than just a political party, it is a family that includes every citizen of the country. He stressed that the party’s inclusive policies resonate with the people, regardless of religion or region.

“Our leader, irrespective of caste, region and religion, Sh. Narendra Modi believes in Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas (Development for All), and on these lines, infrastructure is being created across the region,” Khatana said. He lauded the efforts of Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, attributing the growing support for the BJP to their hard work.

Khatana concluded his speech by reiterating the party’s commitment to equitable governance, saying that the BJP does not discriminate against anyone and is dedicated to building a future for all citizens of Jammu and Kashmir.