Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed Abdullah and Mufti families for "ruining" three generations of Jammu and Kashmir, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday, 14 April, hit back at Modi saying the prime minister bashes political families before elections and then tries to ally with the same parties once polls are over.
"BJP with its noxious agenda of banishing Muslims and minorities wants to divide India," she alleged.
Mufti also responded to PM Modi’s accusation of JKNC and PDP leaders indulging in self-seeking politics saying, “Kashmir belongs to Kashmiris. Not anybody’s heirloom to inherit. Self seeking politics is intentionally blurring lines between self and country, exploiting armed forces to grab power, fuelling communal politics and dividing the country in the name of religion.”
Earlier during the day, during a rally in Kathua, Modi had said, “I want to tell JKNC and PDP leaders that Jammu and Kashmir is tired of your self-seeking politics. Kashmir is not your inherited manor. In Jammu and Kashmir, like everywhere else, the voice of the people will reign supreme.”
He also said that the two families “ruined” three generations of Jammu and Kashmir and he will not allow them to “divide” India.
The prime minister was referring to National Conference leader Omar Abdullah's demand for a separate prime minister for Jammu and Kashmir.
Reacting to the PM’s remarks, Omar also tweeted saying: “We have to rid J&K of these two political families” says Modi ji in 2014 and then promptly goes and makes not one but TWO members of the Mufti family CM of J&K. In 2019, Modi ji says “we have to rid J&K of these two political families”. Another jumla Modi ji?”
PM Modi Also Targets Congress, Punjab CM
PM Modi also targeted the Congress for the migration of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley and said his government was committed to settle the displaced community in their native places and that work has started in this direction.
Modi also hit out at Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh for skipping Saturday's event to pay respect to martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
On doubts raised by some Opposition leaders on the Balakot air strikes, Modi said Congress has never trusted valour of Indian armed forces.
He said the wave in favour of the BJP was stronger this time than in 2014.
According to opinion polls and surveys, the BJP will get thrice the seats that Congress will win, he said.
By coming out to vote in large numbers in Baramulla and Jammu, voters have given a befitting reply to terrorist leaders and opportunists, he added.
(With inputs from PTI)
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