Srinagar, Oct 21 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially accepted its role in the opposition and pledged to confront the government over “threats” to nationalism and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “development agenda”.
Senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma, speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the party is committed to upholding the rights of the people from the opposition benches. He acknowledged the people's mandate and expressed commitment to be a strong voice for their interests.
On the party's poor performance in Kashmir, Sharma said they are disappointed over not securing more seats but expressed optimism given the party’s increasing vote share. “While we aimed for a greater presence, we are pleased with our growing support in Kashmir. Our party remains a formidable competitor to regional parties in several constituencies,” he said.
The BJP leader accused the National Conference (NC) and other regional parties of making false promises to the public, claiming these will soon be exposed. “The NC is misleading the people on crucial issues, including Article 370 and statehood,” he said.
Highlighting the successful implementation of welfare schemes such as Ayushman Bharat health insurance, the free grains scheme, and the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, Sharma said the BJP is committed to the development of Jammu and Kashmir. “We will not tolerate any threats to nationalism or the development agenda laid out by Prime Minister Modi,” he asserted, vowing to confront ruling parties on these matters.
Sharma added, “BJP is dedicated to advocating for developmental programmes initiated by the central government, including the Jal Jeevan Mission and free ration schemes. The party will confront any attempts to mislead the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly regarding statehood.”
He expressed confidence in strengthening the BJP's presence in the region moving forward. "The BJP’s position in the opposition will focus on development, security and strong nationalism," he added.
Another BJP leader, Ranbir Singh Pathania told KNO that the party respects the people's mandate and aims to serve as a strong opposition. He also expressed disappointment over the lack of seats in Kashmir but said they are satisfied with the growing vote share.
Pathania said the BJP is committed to fighting for the rights of the people and holding other parties accountable for their promises. “The false promises made by the National Conference will soon be exposed,” he said.
Discussing their strategy as an opposition party, Pathania said the BJP has delivered on key promises, such as health insurance and financial support under the Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. He said the voters in Kashmir may have been misled on issues like Article 370 and statehood—(KNO)