Tue Sep 17 02:33:52 UTC 2024: ## BJP Accuses National Conference of Promoting “Jihadi Agenda” Ahead of J&K Polls
**Srinagar, India:** As Jammu and Kashmir prepares for the first phase of its assembly elections today, political tensions continue to rise. BJP leader Tarun Chugh has launched a scathing attack on the National Conference (NC), accusing the party of promoting a “Jihadi agenda” and misleading the people of J&K for years.
Chugh’s remarks came in response to NC leader Farooq Abdullah’s statement that the BJP’s claims of normalcy post-Article 370 abrogation are false. Chugh countered, highlighting the region’s transformation from a “terrorism capital” to a “tourism capital” since the abrogation of Article 370. He credited the Modi-led BJP government with ushering in an era of peace and prosperity in J&K.
Chugh also criticized the NC and PDP, accusing them of exploiting Article 370 for personal gain and failing to deliver on their promises during their rule. He emphasized the BJP’s success in bringing unprecedented growth and replacing “terrorism with tourism,” citing the high voter turnout in elections as evidence of public support for the BJP’s policies.
The first phase of the J&K elections is scheduled for today, with 24 constituencies going to polls. Security has been beefed up in Srinagar ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s election rally. Meanwhile, the Congress has appointed Charanjit Channi and Mukesh Agnihotri as observers for the J&K polls and released its manifesto promising welfare measures for farmers and women.
**Other key developments:**
* The Centre has extended the LTC facility for employees to visit J&K and the northeast for another two years.
* Prime Minister Modi has released the first installment of Rs 2,044 crore to 5.11 lakh beneficiaries under the PMAY-G scheme.
* India successfully flight-tested a surface-to-air missile.
These developments come amidst a backdrop of rising political tensions in J&K and the ongoing India-China border standoff in eastern Ladakh.
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