Jammu, Jan 30 (KINS): Arun Gupta, Spokesperson for J&K BJP, emphasized that the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir is responsible for representing the entire Union Territory, not just one region. He called on CM Omar Abdullah to ensure that his leadership is inclusive of all regions of the UT.
Accompanied by Spokespersons Dr. Tahir Chowdhary and Balbir Ram Rattan, as well as Media Secretary Dr. Pardeep Mahotra, Arun Gupta addressed the press at the BJP headquarters in Trikuta Nagar, Jammu.
In his remarks, Arun Gupta highlighted the National Conference (NC)’s return to governance after a decade, but criticized their continued regional bias. He argued that the NC’s mindset still reflects the pre-2014 era, where discussions were often limited to one region. Gupta stressed that much has changed in the last 10 years, and it is time for NC leaders to adopt a more inclusive approach. He also pointed out that governance terminology should reflect this shift, such as transitioning from KAS to JKAS and KPS to JKPS, noting that official addresses still reference outdated regional terms.
Gupta stated, “The Chief Minister’s office is a public, constitutional institution, and it should serve the entire Union Territory without regional bias. CM Omar Abdullah must be impartial in his leadership. If such biases persist, the monumental development efforts made by the Modi government over the last decade could be undermined.”
Focusing on the Jammu region, Gupta praised its natural beauty, citing areas like Patnitop, Dudu, Poonch, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, and Pancheri. He emphasized that the region has a better working days ratio and infrastructure that should be leveraged to host national sporting events. He also referenced the development of Jammu as an educational hub, urging the CM to recognize institutions like IIT and IIM in Jammu, alongside those in Kashmir.
Gupta also urged the promotion of Jammu’s rich cultural heritage, including Dogra cuisine, attire, and arts, such as the Basohli Art Paintings. He called on Jammu’s ministers to advocate for the region’s interests as strongly as those from Kashmir.
Dr. Tahir Chowdhary also addressed the press, criticizing the CM’s recent visit to Mumbai, where he focused solely on Kashmir, neglecting Jammu completely. He noted that while CM Abdullah spoke about tourism, culture, art, and investment in Kashmir, he failed to mention Jammu, underscoring the need for the Chief Minister to represent all of Jammu and Kashmir equally.(KINS)
CM Must Represent All of Jammu & Kashmir, Not Just One Region: Arun Gupta
