Srinagar: During his two-day visit to Kashmir, Union Home Minister Amit Shah advised various delegations not to support dynastic parties in the upcoming elections.
Shah met with delegations representing the Pahari community, Sikh community, and Gujjar/Bakarwals, engaging in detailed discussions on party affairs with local BJP leaders.
Leaders from the Pahari community expressed gratitude to the Home Minister for granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, a long-standing demand in Jammu & Kashmir. They also conveyed their disappointment over BJP’s decision not to field candidates in the three Valley Lok Sabha seats, pledging to abide by Shah’s directives in this regard.
Members of the Sikh delegation raised concerns that Sikhs in Baramulla, Keran, and Uri, who are predominantly Paharis, were excluded from the ST status granted to Paharis. They also requested inclusion of their holy scripture’s language in university curricula for preservation purposes.
The Bakarwal delegation informed Shah that he urged them to support any candidate except those from dynastic families affiliated with NC, PDP, and Congress.
In meetings with BJP leaders, Shah discussed the political landscape and party strategy in Jammu & Kashmir. He emphasized the importance of strengthening party cadres, even in electoral contests where victory may not be imminent.
Shah instructed BJP leaders to ensure high voter turnout among party workers in Baramulla and Anantnag Lok Sabha seats, advocating support for like-minded parties to counter dynastic politics.
Looking ahead, Shah affirmed BJP’s commitment to contest all Assembly seats in Jammu & Kashmir during the forthcoming elections, expected after the conclusion of the annual Amarnath Yatra on August 19.
Upon his arrival at Srinagar International Airport, Shah was welcomed by BJP leaders and proceeded to the Lalit Grand Palace Hotel overlooking Dal Lake in Srinagar city.
