BJP Chief Sat Sharma dismisses Article 370 uproar as "Theatrics for the Camera"

Pledges stronger BJP presence in J&K, eyes 50 seats in next elections

Jammu: Rubbishing the ruckus created on abrogation of Article 370 on the opening session of assembly by the PDP MLA, newly installed BJP UT President Sat Sharma said that such theatric was nothing more than a spectacle just played for the camera and the gallery.
Sharma emphasized, “Article 370 is now history, deeply embedded in the annals of the past with no present-day relevance. The ruckus was only a tactic to gain attention, lacking any moral or substantive ground.”
In an interview with The News Now, following his elevation to party leadership, Sharma shared that his focus lies on expanding the BJP's membership and advancing the party's agenda with support from MLAs, leaders, and party workers across the Union Territory.
Addressing concerns of regional bias, he assured that Jammu and Kashmir would receive equitable distribution of all central schemes, reiterating the Centre’s commitment to balanced development across the UT.
"There is no reason that Jammu could be ignored, whether in development or any other area,” Sharma stated confidently, underscoring the BJP’s focus on balanced growth throughout the territory. Sharma made it clear that the government's policies would support both Jammu and Kashmir alike, quashing concerns of regional bias in governance.
The BJP president also dismissed the assertion that the ‘one sided’ government in JKUT would ignore one region from where it has not got the mandate.
When asked about BJP’s performance in the recently concluded assembly elections, Sharma acknowledged that while the party did not secure seats in the Kashmir Valley, it had made significant inroads.
“Although we didn’t win a seat in the Valley, for the first time, we gave a tough fight on two seats. This shows that people in the Valley are beginning to connect with the BJP, recognizing the developmental agenda set forth by the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Sharma explained.
He believes that the BJP’s growing presence in the Valley marks a shift in regional politics, as more residents start to value the party’s commitment to infrastructure, development, and governance reforms.
Sharma highlighted BJP’s recent electoral achievements, sharing that the party emerged as the top vote-getter in the UT, capturing 26% of the total vote share, followed by the National Conference at 23%. "The Congress, which once claimed to lead, only managed to secure 12% of the vote share, revealing that the public has rejected them at the grassroots level," Sharma noted.
The statistics, according to him, demonstrate a shift in popular support away from the traditional parties toward the BJP’s vision for the region.
Reflecting on the BJP’s journey, Sharma pointed out that the party, originally established as the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951, had evolved from a powerful opposition force to a ruling party that prioritizes development and national unity.
Tracing its progress, he recalled how the BJP went from securing a single MLA seat in 2011, won by Jugal Kishore Sharma, to increasing its presence to eight seats, then 11, and finally 25 seats in the 2014 elections. Currently, with 29 MLAs, the BJP has solidified its position in Jammu and Kashmir's political landscape.
Sharma expressed his ambition to expand the party’s influence further, aiming for a majority in the next election cycle.
“ Now we are sitting healthy with 29 MLAs and I as a president would ensure that in next elections , we can turn the 26% vote share into 35-40% and secure 50 seats to make our own government in Jammu and Kashmir ,” said a confidant Sat Sharma.
His optimism underscores the BJP’s determination to cement its role as a major political force in the region and to establish a government that reflects the party’s values and goals for development, stability, and regional integration.

Updated On 11/6/2024 3:31:41 AM