Pakistan feeling pain as it finds democracy flourishing in J&K: Rajnath on turnout

POONCH: Defence minister Rajnath Singh lauded the people of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday for overwhelmingly taking part in the first phase of polling in the assembly election on Sept 18 and said Pakistan is feeling "pain in its belly" watching democracy flourishing in the Union Territory after the abrogation of Article 370.

He accused National Conference, Congress and People's Democratic Party of misleading people by talking about restoration of Article 370 of the Constitution in their manifestoes and said these parties should stop working as "proxies of Pakistan".

"The first phase of the assembly election registered more than 61% polling, the highest in 30 years and surpassing the record-breaking 58% polling in the Lok Sabha election. The message has gone to the world that Article 370 was abrogated for the betterment of India."

"People have raised the flag of democracy so high that Pakistan is feeling pain in its belly. We do not want enmity with Pakistan as we want good relations with all our neighbours. Pakistan keeps doing unholy things against India to divert the attention of its people from its internal problems," Singh said, addressing a poll rally in support of BJP candidate Choudhary Abdul Gani here.

He said people in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) are distressed and want to join India. "They are witnessing the change in Jammu and Kashmir and India's progress under PM Narendra Modi's leadership. They are considering joining India for their prosperity and they no longer want to live with them (Pakistan)," he said, adding that India has never differentiated among people on the basis of religion and considered the PoK residents as "our own".

BJP will not allow restoration of Article 370 "come what may", Rajnath declared Sunday and accused National Conference, Congress and PDP of trying to mislead voters by saying they would ensure the junked provision's return.

"They are making a lot of noise over Article 370. How will you restore it? Only a govt at the Centre has the power to do so," Rajnath said.

Referring to a recent statement of Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif calling for the restoration of J&K's special status, Rajnath alleged the NC-Congress alliance were "on the same page" as Islamabad on the issue.

Singh said if BJP comes to power here, it will ensure that Jammu and Kashmir is the most developed region in the country in 10 years.

Select The Times of India as your preferred source on Google Search