Talks with Hurriyat not possible as they are not real stakeholders: BJP
Srinagar,: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tuesday said that talks with Hurriyat leaders were not possible as they are not the real stakeholders of Kashmir. The party also said that it will not forge any pre-poll alliance in Jammu and Kashmir.
In an exclusive chat with Kashmir News Service (KNS), BJP’s State General Secretary (Organization), Ashok Koul said that the talks should and will be held on Kashmir but only with those who are the real stakeholders of Kashmir. “Hurriyat is not any stakeholder as their kith and kin are enjoying outside but those who have suffered and lost their properties including youth, traders and others are the real stakeholders and talks with them will be held,” he added.
He further stated that the government was working on initiating a dialogue and the talks with many people from different communities were being held at present.
Koul further stated that the threat of BJP among the people was no more as they are knowledgeable about the facts that Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government was working for their welfare. “Today, I was shocked to see that the youth in large number kept me busy in taking selfies with them for half an hour after a meeting today, which shows that people have faith in BJP,” he added.
Referring to a query, Koul said that its people who are behind the decline in stone pelting incidents in Kashmir besides forces and police. He said that BJP from the day one is against the wrong impression against the Kashmir. “We have been raising our voice that any incident taking place in single portion of Kashmir should be not be highlighted like the way it is,” he said, adding that wrong perception against Kashmir will also be curbed soon.
About possibility of pre-poll alliance ahead of the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, he said that like every party, the party will make every effort to emerge victorious with majority and to form the government on its own. “We will not forge any pre-poll alliance but in case the need arises, the party will deliberate upon the post-poll alliance,” he added.
He further stated that at present the party is focusing on winning the elections with pre-poll alliance and to form the government on its own.
About Article 370 and Article 35 A, the BJP leader said that these were the core issues of the party and it has also mentioned in its manifesto. “I can’t say when it will be abrogated but it is up to the central government to decide when it will be abrogated,” he added.
Asked about the ongoing membership drive, BJP leader said that the membership drive was going on smoothly. “We have started a process in this regard. In charges and co-incharges have been appointed. We have set a target of 4.5 lakh members in Kashmir and 1.25 lakhs in three zones including central, southern and northern Kashmir. We have formulated a procedure in this regard.”
He added that they are expecting that at least 2.5 lakh members will join in the ongoing drive. “People are showing good response especially in far flung areas. The youth are showing their response and raising their concerns as well. People are joining the party wholeheartedly,” he added.
Koul said that ahead of the elections in Jammu and Kashmir, BJP has decided to strengthen party at grassroots level as it will help the party in the upcoming elections.
About JK Bank issue, Koul said people may face hardships for time being but it will ensure the transparency in the end, which would benefit the people here. “The people also faced hardships during demonetization. Similarly, the people may face hardships today but it will benefit the people,” he said. (KNS)
