Wed Sep 25 02:28:53 UTC 2024: ## BJP Slams Congress for Denying Reservation to Scheduled Tribes in J&K

**Jammu:** Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, accusing them of denying reservation to Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking to a national news channel, Singh asserted that the Congress party’s reluctance to grant political reservation to STs was purely based on vote bank considerations.

Singh highlighted that the current Assembly elections in J&K are the first to be held with ST reservation, a direct result of the BJP government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He criticized the Congress and National Conference for threatening to reverse these provisions if they come to power, equating it to a desire to revoke the rights granted to Scheduled Tribes.

Singh further alleged that Congress governments, both at the Centre and in J&K, discriminated against certain communities, citing examples like the Balmiki community who were denied equal rights and Pakistani refugees who were denied citizenship and voting rights for 70 years. He warned that if the Congress comes to power in J&K, they will not only revoke reservation but also potentially revoke property rights for daughters and citizenship rights for refugee brethren by reviving Articles 370 and 35A.

Regarding statehood, Singh asserted that the opposition is demanding something already granted and announced. He emphasized that Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have both publicly confirmed the restoration of statehood for J&K.

Appealing for support for the BJP in the Assembly elections, Singh stated that a strong BJP presence would enable faster development and progress with a “double engine” approach.

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