Team News Riveting
Srinagar, September 4
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary Ram Madhav Wednesday said that the oldest parties in Jammu and Kashmir, JKNC and PDP were employing ex-militants to contest the upcoming Assembly elections.
Speaking to media in Srinagar where he was accompanying BJP leader filing his nomination papers, Madhav said that the “will be a historic one.” He said he hoped that parties that had made the people of Jammu and Kashmir suffer for over three-decades would be dethroned, humiliated. Madhav was referring to Jammu Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
He added that people would give mandate to new parties and new leaders who would prefer peace and development.
“A new legislature and a new government are being formed in the Union Territory and our party will be forming the government with huge numbers,” the BJP leader said. He claimed that the youth of J&K is coming forward in huge numbers to take part in the elections and they will free the region from the dynast politicians.
Regarding unexpected people filing their nominations for the elections, Madhav said that anyone was welcomed to fight the elections, except militants and ex-militants.
Responding to a question whether the BJP would ally with any party if there was a fractured mandate, Madhav said the BJP would emerge as the single largest party, but “if there is such a situation, we will discuss it afterward.”
Welcoming the entry of former members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (Jei) into the election fray. Madhav said: “There is space for everyone in a democracy. We welcome everyone who wants to come forward to contest elections through democracy. But, no one should contest the polls using the support of terrorists and ex-militants. The polls will be held peacefully and in a transparent manner. That is the assurance of (Narendra) Modi like the Parliament polls were conducted in a transparent manner.”
“Many people (former members of JeI) have realised that elections are conducted here in a free and fair manner. So, that is why they have come forward to contest, and we welcome everyone who wants to contest,” he added.
