Suhail Bhat
Soibugh (Budgam), Nov 6: Senior BJP leader Ravinder Raina today said that the party is confident of securing its first-ever win in Kashmir, describing the Budgam by-election as a major opportunity for change and crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for bringing peace and progress to the Valley.
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Speaking to ‘Excelsior’ on the sidelines of a campaign rally in Soibugh Budgam, Raina said the BJP had not fielded a candidate in Budgam during the last Assembly elections, but the situation is different this time.
“Since Omar Abdullah contested from here earlier and later vacated the seat, this by-election has given people a new choice. The people of Budgam have urged that BJP should contest. Agha Mohsin, who has a heart for the people and is passionate about serving them, will get great support from Budgam,” he said.
Addressing concerns about the BJP’s earlier lack of support in the Valley and perceptions about the party’s treatment of Muslims, Raina said the past decade had transformed Kashmir. “After Modi’s Government came to power in 2014, peace, tranquillity, and happiness returned to Kashmir. Schools, colleges, and universities are open; people are busy with their lives, and large-scale development is taking place. This is a gift from Modi’s government,” he said.
Raina added that Budgam, once affected by militancy, is now thriving. “Earlier there were the sounds of bombs and bullets. Today, villages are full of life, and political leaders can move freely without fear. This peace is the result of Modi’s vision,” he said, urging people to “strengthen this brotherhood and unity” by supporting the BJP.
Expressing optimism about the Budgam by-election, the BJP leader said, “In democracy, power lies with the people. I am sure the people of Budgam will support us this time and help the BJP open its account in Kashmir.”
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