The Diplomat
Udhampur :-TDD, Former MLA Udhampur and BJP candidate Balwant Singh Mankotia filed his nomination papers today for the Chenani constituency in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur District. The nomination event was marked by a significant show of support, with Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh accompanying Mankotia to the Returning Officer’s office.
Earlier a large road show that commenced in Udhampur, proceeded along the National Highway and through Chenani Market, before culminating at the Bus Stand in Chenani. Hundreds of BJP leaders, party activists, and Mankotia’s supporters participated in the procession, demonstrating strong backing for the candidate.
Following the road show, a massive nomination rally was held at the Bus Stand in Chenani. Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh took aim at the opposition alliance, criticizing its frequent name changes. “First it was UPA, then UPA 2, now it’s INDIA bloc. After losing the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, they will change the name of this alliance once again,” Dr. Singh remarked sarcastically.
The minister downplayed the opposition’s challenge, stating, “What kind of challenge is this? They’ve only changed the name; the alliance remains the same old one.” He urged voters to compare the BJP’s manifesto with those of the National Conference and Congress, highlighting the stark differences in their approaches to governance and development.
Dr. Singh emphasized the BJP’s focus on progress, overall development, and providing opportunities for women and youth. In contrast, he criticized the opposition’s manifesto for promising to reinstate Article 370 and 35A, which he described as “major roadblocks to Jammu and Kashmir’s development.”
The minister also took issue with the Congress manifesto, claiming it “deprives women of Jammu and Kashmir of their rights.” He portrayed the BJP’s manifesto as one that “delivers justice, is inclusive, promises progress for all, and focuses on the development of Jammu and Kashmir.”
While addressing the Media Union Minister Launched a scathing attack on the National Conference (NC) and Congress party, accusing them of dividing people for vote bank politics. Singh claimed that these parties’ manifestos promise to restore Articles 370 and 35A if they come to power.
In contrast, Singh emphasized the BJP’s vision for Jammu and Kashmir. “Our party’s manifesto clearly states that we will focus on overall development of Jammu and Kashmir if we come to power,” he said. The minister added that the BJP would ensure women receive their rights, which he alleged were suppressed by the NC and Congress. Congress and National Conference want to revive Article 370 and thereby deny equal rights to the daughters of Jammu and Kashmir,” Dr. Singh
Singh expressed confidence in the BJP candidate’s victory from the Udhampur constituency, stating that their voice would resonate in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. He promised that under a “double engine” government, the BJP would work towards elevating Jammu and Kashmir to a higher status and ensure its comprehensive development.
