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| Article 370 dead, Statehood agitation by NC last attempt to stay relevant: Bali Bhagat | | |  Early Times Report
JAMMU, June 6: Senior BJP leader and former Minister Bali Bhagat today launched a scathing attack on the National Conference (NC) over its decision to intensify protests on the issue of statehood, terming the move a desperate political exercise aimed at diverting public attention from the party's failures in governance, growing public anger and widening cracks within its own ranks.
Bhagat said the recent meeting of NC legislators and their decision to agitate for statehood has little to do with the welfare of the people and everything to do with salvaging the credibility of a party that is rapidly losing public trust.
"The National Conference came to power by making grand promises, but after assuming office it has failed to deliver on the expectations of the people. Instead of focusing on governance, development, employment and public welfare, Omar Abdullah and his party are now trying to hide their failures behind emotional slogans and political theatrics. This statehood agitation is nothing but an eyewash designed to mislead the people of Jammu and Kashmir," Bhagat said.
He alleged that the sudden activism on statehood is also an attempt by the NC leadership to contain growing dissatisfaction within the party and prevent further internal divisions.
"Omar Abdullah knows that many within his party are frustrated and finding it difficult to defend the government's performance before the people. The statehood slogan is being used as a tool to keep the flock together and divert attention from the growing discontent within the organisation. This is more about political survival than public interest," he remarked.
Taking strong exception to repeated references to Article 370 by NC leaders, Bhagat said the party continues to sell false hopes despite knowing fully well that the constitutional changes of August 2019 are irreversible.
"Article 370 is a closed chapter and cannot be revived through protests, slogans or political pressure. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have moved forward and are embracing development, investment, tourism, better infrastructure and equal opportunities. Unfortunately, NC remains trapped in outdated politics because it has no fresh vision to offer the people," he said.
Bhagat reiterated that the BJP has already committed itself to the restoration of statehood and that the issue will be addressed at an appropriate time.
"Statehood is not a bargaining tool for political parties. The BJP has made its position clear and the commitment will be honoured at the appropriate time. However, no party can dictate terms to the nation or force decisions through political dramas and pressure tactics," he said.
Launching a direct attack on Omar Abdullah, Bhagat said the Chief Minister appears more interested in political posturing than governance.
"The people elected Omar Abdullah to govern, not to organise agitations. Before talking about protests, he should explain what happened to the promises made during elections. Governance cannot be replaced by headline management and political optics."
Bhagat said the people of Jammu and Kashmir are politically aware and can clearly see through what he termed the NC's "politics of diversion and deception."
"The truth is that this agitation is not about statehood. It is about hiding failures, managing internal rebellion and escaping accountability. No amount of political drama can restore the credibility that NC has lost. The people want development, transparency and results-not manufactured controversies and endless political theatre," he added.
"The future of Jammu and Kashmir lies in development, peace, good governance and national integration. The people will not be fooled by attempts to revive failed narratives merely to keep a sinking political ship afloat," Bhagat concluded. |
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