Asserting that development of Jammu will be foremost factor which will be highlighted in the upcoming Budget Session of J&K Legislative Assembly, Jammu West MLA Arvind Gupta engages with Tarika Mahajan Assistant Editor The NEWS NOW.
Q. What is your take on BJP emerged as largest party in Delhi Assembly Elections 2025?
Answer: The victory is really huge because after a prolonged period of 27 years BJP emerged as single the largest party in Delhi. For 10 years, people suffered at the hands of Kejriwal Government and time came when people kicked out Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Now Delhi will adhere the track of development under the dynamic leadership of PM Narendra Modi.
Q. In your career of 17 years, you contested in elections first time and emerged victorious. How does it feel?
Answer: For last 17 years I was in the organisation of umpteen departments of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). I was part of election process be it DDC Polls, Corporation Polls, Assembly Polls and Parliamentary Polls. Then, BJP acknowledged my efforts and finally exercised faith in me by according me ticket of Jammu West Constituency. Besides, credit goes to people who made me victorious with 22, 125 votes with the highest vote share percentage of 64.7 percent compared to other constituencies.
Q. What is BJP’s plan of action on J&K Budget Session which is going to begin on 3 March?
Answer: Since, Legislative Assembly will again begin on 3 March, the BJP will press for development of people and Jammu Division. Key issues to highlight will be how to boost tourism, revival of private sector and industries, and eradicate rampant unemployment. All 28 MLAs of BJP will pitch these issues of Jammu in the Legislative Assembly Budget Session.
Q. Please elaborate your stand on Liquor Bill to be tabled in Budget Session?
Answer: Jammu is regarded as ‘City of Temples’ and there’re several states like Gujarat and Bihar which have banned the liquor so there should be no confusion in this regard. Party’s inclusive stand will be considered on the liquor ban. Apart of liquor, there are other intoxicants which need to be disallowed.
Q. What is your standpoint on restoration of Statehood?
Answer: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said in House of Parliament that Statehood will be reinstated at appropriate time. We have to wait for that appropriate time. There are some reasons that it has been delayed but it will be for sure restored.
