"BJP will play role of opposition": Kavinder Gupta says party will safeguard regional interests of Jammu

After the BJP retained its stronghold Jammu, Kavinder Gupta told ANI, "BJP will play the role of opposition and ensure that the government functions in the right manner. It will be a big challenge for the BJP to protect the interests of Jammu. We will ensure that development takes place in Jammu."

"The previous governments of Kashmir have always discriminated against Jammu and Ladakh. Since the BJP has formed the government at the centre we have ensured overall development," he said.

The BJP leader also took a swipe at the Congress and said that the party won only one seat in the Jammu region and lost very badly.

"They have always tried to mislead the public. Congress has always discriminated against the Jammu region and the public has given them a befitting reply. Congress always depends on its allies," said Gupta.

"Inki jo Mohabbat ki dukan thi, uska shutter band hogya hai," he added.

The BJP leader also said that statehood will be restored in Jammu and Kashmir at an appropriate time as iterated by Prime Minister Narendra Modia and Home Minister Amit Shah.

Kavinder Gupta further said, "Article 370 has promoted terrorism, corruption, dynasty politics, stone pelting incidents in the state.The government that will be formed in J&K should understand that this kind of situation will never come nor anyone will let it come. The central government will ensure the security of the region as it is a border state."

The first assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 saw the National Conference-Congress alliance cross the majority mark and bag power by winning 48 seats in the Union Territory. While the National Conference won 42 seats, the Congress won 6 seats, according to the Election Commission's website.

Meanwhile, after a resounding victory in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, National Conference Vice President and newly-elected MLA Omar Abdullah, on Wednesday expressed gratitude to the voters of the union territory saying that voters have performed their duty, now their responsibility begins.

"I am very thankful to the voters of J&K that they utilised their votes despite democracy was not allowed to thrive here for the last 8-10 years. JKNC-Congress alliance received the majority," Abdullah said.

The NC Vice President said that the JKNC-Congress alliance secured a majority, with voters displaying maturity and deliberation, particularly in areas where attempts were made to split votes through Independent candidates and smaller parties.

Abdullah acknowledged the voters' thoughtful participation and said, "Voters voted with due deliberation, especially in the areas where conspiracies were being hatched to divide votes through Independent candidates and small parties. The outer regions of Kashmir and Jammu foiled this conspiracy, but except for 2-3, everyone else had to face defeat. This gives you a sense of understanding of the voters."

"Our responsibility begins now, voters have done their duty. It is now our duty to work and be worthy of the voters," the NC leader added.

The National Conference-Congress alliance clinched an absolute majority in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, winning 48 seats in the 90-member assembly.

Omar Abdullah is poised to be the next Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.JKNC carried the alliance to victory by winning 42 seats in the results declared on Tuesday. Congress could win only six seats. Ninety seats went to the polls in Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls.

BJP got 25.64 per cent vote share followed by the National Conference with 23.43 per cent and Congress with 11.97 per cent.

This was the first election in Jammu and Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 and its bifurcation into two Union Territories. (ANI)