BJP National Spokesperson Shazia Ilmi, along with BJP Rajpora candidate Arshad Bhat, addressed a press conference in Srinagar, sharply criticizing mainstream political parties for their failure to address key issues in Jammu and Kashmir. Ilmi highlighted that the BJP has been targeted across the country, including in Jammu and Kashmir, while maintaining its commitment to development and peace in the region.
During the press conference, Arshad Bhat explained his decision to join the BJP and contest elections under its banner. He accused the National Conference (NC), Congress, and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of neglecting the aspirations of Kashmiri youth. Bhat asserted that these parties had created a climate of "political terrorism," where discussions of governance and reforms were suppressed.
"The youth of Kashmir have been left without opportunities, especially in the public sector and other key departments, by the very parties that claim to represent them. They have been misled for decades, while BJP's vision offers the promise of development and progress," said Bhat.
Shazia Ilmi called for a comprehensive development process in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that the region must be freed from the cycles of terrorism, stone-pelting, and frequent hartals that disrupt normal life. She stated, "We want to see Jammu and Kashmir as a state free from hartals and violence, moving towards development. The mainstream parties like NC, PDP, and Congress have failed to take the necessary steps for progress."
Ilmi further added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP envisions a stable, peaceful Jammu and Kashmir, where terrorism no longer holds sway over the lives of ordinary people.
In a significant statement, Ilmi drew attention to the plight of Muslims in Kashmir, stating that many had suffered in ways similar to the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits. "Muslims in Kashmir have also been forced to leave their homes due to the instability and violence, much like our Kashmiri Pandit brothers. Their voices have been suppressed by the very leaders who were supposed to represent them."
Ilmi reiterated that the BJP stands for the prosperity of all communities in the region and seeks to foster an inclusive environment where every citizen feels secure and empowered.
Shazia Ilmi also emphasized Prime Minister Modi's engagement with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. She noted that the Prime Minister has consistently focused on the development of the region, ensuring that the people’s voices are heard at the highest levels of governance. "Prime Minister Modi has visited the region multiple times, offering a vision of a prosperous and peaceful Jammu and Kashmir, where development is prioritized, and the youth have real opportunities," she said.
As elections approach, both Ilmi and Bhat made it clear that the BJP's vision for the future of Jammu and Kashmir stands in stark contrast to the status quo maintained by the traditional political parties. The BJP, they said, is committed to bringing tangible change, ending violence, and promoting development across the region.
This press conference marks the BJP's continued push for a strong foothold in the region, as it seeks to challenge the dominance of long-established political forces in Jammu and Kashmir.
