BJP Accuses NC-Congress Alliance of Separatist Tone Amid J-K Elections

BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh claims that the National Conference-Congress alliance in Jammu and Kashmir echoes separatist rhetoric. Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif supports restoring Article 370 if the alliance gains power. NC Vice President Omar Abdullah expects a high voter turnout.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary, Tarun Chugh, on Thursday accused the pre-poll alliance between the National Conference (NC) and Congress in Jammu and Kashmir of promoting separatist ideology. Chugh said the alliance was aligning with Pakistan's stance, aiming to release terrorists who killed civilians.

Chugh added, "The language of separatism is evident in the NC and Congress rhetoric. Their alliance in the last election was a failure, akin to an expired injection." His remarks follow Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's comments on Geo News, where Asif confirmed that Pakistan supports the NC-Congress alliance's demand to restore Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir.

Asif claimed that reinstating Article 370 is feasible and suggested that the NC-Congress alliance could regain power, capitalizing on local support for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's special status. The J-K Assembly polls' third and final round will be held on October 1, with vote counting set for October 8.

NC Vice President Omar Abdullah voiced expectations for a high voter turnout, attributing the situation partly to the central government's portrayal of high turnout as a sign of normalcy. Abdullah also criticized the recent visits by diplomats to Srinagar.

Expressing gratitude, Abdullah thanked voters, irrespective of their choice, highlighting the historical participation of Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora districts in the electoral process, anticipating significant turnout.