Srinagar, Jun 23: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary and party in-charge for Jammu and Kashmir, TarunChugh, on Tuesday said that the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir would happen soon, fulfilling the promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Statehood to J&K will be restored soon, as promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Chugh said.
The statement comes amid growing expectations from the people of J&K after the successful conduct of assembly elections and the formation of an elected government.
Chugh reiterated that the Centre’s focus was on both development and the complete integration of the region with the rest of the country, assuring that the process of granting statehood, which was kept in abeyance due to security and administrative considerations, would be fulfilled as per the assurances given by PM Modi.
This assurance is a strong political message to counter opposition criticism and to reinforce the BJP’s long-standing commitment to the people of J&K.
Chugh’s remarks align with the party’s narrative of moving towards normalcy, development, and political empowerment in J&K.
Speaking during his visit to pay tributes to Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh (the precursor to the BJP), on his 73rd death anniversary, Chugh said, "I urge the J&K government to observe a ‘Holocaust Day’ to commemorate the victims of the 1947 tribal invasion backed by the Pakistan Army. The Pakistan Army, disguised as tribal people, attacked here and killed Kashmiri citizens, raped the daughters here, continuously looted J&K for 96 hours, killing and plundering. It was a holocaust." He called upon the government to mark the occasion officially, produce a documentary on the events, write books about the atrocities, and make historical records accessible to the people.
Chugh was in Srinagar to honourMookerjee, who died in Srinagar in 1953 in detention after entering the state without a permit to protest against its special status.
He questioned the role and morality of the then J&K Prime Minister Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, accusing him of attempting to sabotage the idea of an all-inclusive India. “Mukherjee symbolised the national sentiment of all-inclusive India which Abdullah had been trying to sabotage,” Chugh said.
He highlighted Mookerjee’s opposition to a separate constitution, separate flag, and a distinct political system for J&K under Article 370.
Chugh alleged a conspiracy in Mookerjee’s death, noting the absence of any independent inquiry or investigation at the time.
He praised PM Modi’s decision to abrogate Article 370, saying it had integrated J&K fully with India and opened new avenues for growth and development.
He strongly condemned the Abdullah family for denying the people of J&K their basic rights and economic prosperity.
Turning to the performance of the current National Conference-led government in J&K, Chugh demanded accountability.
“The elected government should present its report card on governance. The public is seeking answers. What have you done? Show your report card now. Fulfil the promises made in your manifesto,” he said.
Chughcriticised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s government as “incompetent and unsuccessful” for raising questions instead of delivering on governance.
AnirbanGanguly, member of the BJP’s National Executive Committee and Chairman of the DrSyama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation, also paid tribute to Mookerjee.
He said that this year marks the 125th birth anniversary of Mookerjee and highlighted the realisation of his vision of 'One Country, One Constitution' through PM Modi’s 'Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat' initiative.
Ganguly also mentioned the BJP’s recent success in West Bengal, Mookerjee’s birthplace.
BJP State President Sat Sharma called for the revival of national sentiments among the people of J&K.
Other senior BJP leaders, including J&K General Secretary Muhammad Anwar Khan, Media InchargeSajidYousuf, Manzoor Bhat, and others, were also present on the occasion.