The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): Union Minister Jitendra Singh, campaigning in Udhampur for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, accused the Congress of historically neglecting and exploiting backward communities in Jammu and Kashmir due to its vote bank politics. Singh, representing the BJP, argued that Congress’s policies severely limited the employment and political rights of marginalized groups, including Dalits, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs.
Singh highlighted the plight of the Valmiki community, who were restricted to traditional occupations regardless of their educational achievements, under past Congress-led central governments. He contrasted this with the measures taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, which he claimed have rectified these injustices.
According to Singh, the Modi administration has provided citizenship rights and the ability to contest elections to refugees from Pakistan, a privilege that was previously denied. He also noted the historic implementation of legislative assembly reservations for Scheduled Tribes in the region, with nine seats now reserved for them, marking a significant policy shift towards inclusivity.
The Union Minister also accused Congress of running a false propaganda campaign against the Modi government, suggesting that the current administration has created a more democratic and free environment in Jammu and Kashmir.
The elections in Jammu and Kashmir are set to take place in five phases, beginning with Udhampur on April 19, and continuing across the region. This electoral process is part of a broader national election for 543 Lok Sabha seats across India, which will conclude with vote counting on June 4. Singh’s remarks underscore the BJP’s campaign narrative of correcting historical injustices and fostering development and democratic participation in Jammu and Kashmir.
