Srinagar: Former minister Ch Zulfkar has defended his recent decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), asserting that only the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi possesses the capacity to spur real development in the Jammu and Kashmir especially in the historically neglected districts of Rajouri and Poonch.
Talking to reporters following his recent induction into the BJP, Zulfkar explained that his decision stemmed from the urgent need for infrastructural and economic improvements in the border regions. According to him, the active involvement of the central government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the only way to address the pressing needs of the area.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has both the resources and authority to bring much-needed development to Rajouri and Poonch and other districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Our districts have been left behind for too long, and now is the time to work with a party that can fulfill these needs,” Zulfkar said.
Addressing his choice to leave his former party, Zulfkar shared a personal turning point inspired by comments from former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. “Abdullah had expressed frustration with the limited powers of the local administration, acknowledging that even something as basic as appointing Class IV employees was beyond his reach”. “When I heard Omar Abdullah say that he couldn’t even appoint a Class IV employee, I realized that if our local leaders are powerless, we need to look elsewhere. The people of Rajouri deserve a party with the capacity to truly help, and that party is the BJP,” Zulfkar explained, justifying his political shift. “Joining the BJP is about ensuring that Rajouri and Poonch have a say in the decisions that shape our future. The BJP is in power, and with their backing, we can bring real progress to our people,” he added. Looking ahead, Zulfkar also voiced hope for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, echoing a sentiment widely shared across the region. He expressed confidence that the Modi-led government would address this issue at the appropriate time. “I am hopeful that the central government will restore statehood in the near future. I believe the BJP is committed to the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he remarked.
