BJP Chief Nabin Predicts Party Government in Kashmir, Cites Article 370 Abrogation

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president Nitin Nabin on Monday said his party aims to form a government in Jammu and Kashmir in the near future, drawing a parallel with the party's success in the Jammu region.

Speaking in Jammu during a two-day visit to review organisational affairs, Mr. Nabin said, "Like Jammu, the lotus will bloom in Kashmir as well and Jammu and Kashmir will have a BJP government in the near future." The lotus is the BJP's election symbol.

Mr. Nabin's visit coincided with the 125th birth anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, who died in a Jammu and Kashmir jail in 1953. Mr. Nabin paid tributes to Mookerjee, saying he devoted his life to national unity. He credited the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with realising Mookerjee's vision for Jammu and Kashmir by ending the region's special constitutional status through the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

Reflecting on changes since that decision, Mr. Nabin said that earlier, hoisting the national flag in Srinagar's Lal Chowk was viewed as a challenge to peace. Under the Modi government, he said, the Tricolour now flies without fear. He added that the move brought "real freedom" and opened new opportunities for the region's youth, who are now excelling in sports and other fields.

The BJP president also asserted that the central government's welfare measures have helped millions rise above poverty. On the first day of his visit, hundreds of party workers welcomed him. He reviewed party functioning and focused on expanding the party's presence in the Kashmir valley.

On Tuesday, Mr. Nabin is scheduled to visit the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, pay tributes to Prem Nath Dogra, and hold separate meetings with BJP members of Parliament, legislators, and former elected representatives.