Vikrant Shekhawat : Sep 08, 2024, 07:40 PM
J&K Election 2024: Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has made an important and controversial statement regarding Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) during an election rally in Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir. He said that the residents of PoK should join India and should be considered a part of India. This statement of Rajnath Singh is being considered important from the political and strategic point of view, which can bring a new turn in the current political scenario of Jammu and Kashmir.Rajnath Singh's position on Article 370Rajnath Singh said in the rally that there is talk of restoring Article 370 by the Congress-NC alliance, but as long as the BJP is in power, no one can restore it. He also said that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir has changed now. The youth are now looking towards the future with laptops and computers instead of pistols and revolvers. His statement reflects the BJP's commitment to stability and development in Jammu and Kashmir.Elections and development talks in Jammu and KashmirRajnath Singh also stressed that the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are being held after ten years, and it is in the eyes of the whole of India and the world. He said that for a long time the people of Jammu and Kashmir were deprived of their rights, but now in the elections, refugees from Pakistan, the Valmiki community and the families of sanitation workers have got the right to vote. This indicates that the BJP government is emphasizing on social and political inclusiveness in Jammu and Kashmir.Announcement of social and economic reformsRajnath Singh said that the years-old demand of the Valmiki community to get the benefits of Scheduled Caste (SC) has been fulfilled. Also, reserved seats have also been created in the Assembly for Scheduled Tribes (ST). Referring to the recent changes in Jammu and Kashmir, he said that the whole world is watching these changes. In particular, the successful organization of the G-20 conference in Srinagar is proof that the image of Kashmir is changing.He also mentioned that Jammu and Kashmir has now become a tourism hotspot and after three and a half decades, Tazia has been organized in Srinagar. The travel time from Jammu to Srinagar has come down to four and a half hours, which is a significant achievement.Future plans and resolutionsRajnath Singh also revealed some of the major schemes of the BJP's Sankalp Patra. He said that the beneficiaries of the Ujjwala Yojana will be given two free cylinders in a year. Tablets or laptops will be provided to children studying in higher secondary classes in remote areas. Apart from this, Jammu and Srinagar cities will be given metro rail connectivity and a beautiful river front will be built on the Tawi river. Ramban and Banihal will be developed as tourist destinations.Rajnath Singh also expressed his resolve for the safe return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits. Along with this, he assured to expedite the rehabilitation of refugees from West Pakistan, refugees from PoJK, and people of Valmiki and Gorkha society.ConclusionThis statement of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is important from political and social point of view. His call for the integration of PoK residents into India and his development plans in Jammu and Kashmir indicate a change in the status of the region. This statement can also have a profound impact on the upcoming elections and the future political scenario.