Says without 2019 reform, J&K’s future would be uncertain; ‘party ready for Panchayat, ULB polls’
Waris Fayaz
Kupwara, July 26 (KNO): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary (Organisation), Ashok Koul, on Saturday reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir will regain its statehood soon, asserting that the government is not afraid of protests or political pressure over the issue.
Speaking to reporters here, Koul said the Centre has already committed to restoring statehood at an appropriate time. He urged people to trust the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
“The government has said it will restore statehood when the time is right. We have full trust in the words of PM Modi and HM Amit Shah. When they feel it is appropriate, they will act. There is no fear of protests influencing the timeline,” he said.
The BJP leader said the process is not dependent on each other. “Restoration of statehood doesn’t require fresh elections. This NC government is likely to get statehood during its tenure,” he added.
Koul said that day-to-day governance issues like ration availability, electricity supply, and regularisation of daily wagers have no direct link to the question of statehood. “Statehood is not necessary for ensuring basic services. The current government can still provide these facilities. Statehood is not a barrier,” he said.
The event, as per the BJP General Secretary (Org), not only celebrated the military victory of 1999 but also marked a symbolic political consolidation, with veterans joining the party, boosting its local cadre strength in the frontier district of Kupwara.
