Rajnath appeals NC, PDP to participate in elections; hopes Pak changes under Imran
Deepak Khajuria. Updated: 9/18/2018 11:07:33 AM
Front Page
JAMMU: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday appealed to political parties in state to participate in the forthcoming panchayat and urban local body polls beginning from next month, in the wake of the NC and the PDP, joined later in the day by CPI(M) announcing a boycott of the elections.
Singh, who was in the town to inaugurate two pilot project of comprehensive integrated border management system (CIBMS) along the International Border (IB) in Jammu also hoped Pakistan's attitude towards India changes "for the better".
Singh's appeal to regional parties came after National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party and Communist Party of India (Marxist) announced that they would not take part in the elections as the Centre has not cleared its stand on Article 35A of the Constitution, which is challenged in the Supreme Court.
"I would like to appeal that all the political parties should participate in the political process. This is the only way to establish direct contact with the people," he said without naming any party.
When asked whether the two Kashmir-based parties were following separatist agenda and not thinking about the people by boycotting the elections, Singh declined to make a comment.
When asked about last week’s infiltration by three armed terrorists from IB, Singh said, Pakistan’s behavior is beyond their understanding.
"I don’t know why Pakistan does not understand the language of peace. India has made all efforts to improve its relations with Pakistan.
“Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited that country to initiate talks and after that we got Pathankot attack and this has been continuing ever since. We cannot change the behaviour of Pakistan. They will have to understand how to behave with a neighbour," he told media at the BSF headquarters in Paloura.
On the change of guard in Pakistan and intentions of new PM Imran Khan, the Home Minister said, "I don't think that there will be any change in Pakistan's nature. I pray to God that there would be change. I hope the change will be better than before."