PDP ruled Jammu and Kashmir for three generations but did nothing for development: Amit Shah

Days after breaking its alliance with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday said, Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and the BJP will never allow it to be disintegrated from the country.

Earlier in the day, Shah arrived in the militancy-hit state to address a rally on the occasion of "historic martyrdom anniversary" of Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee.

During his address, Shah accused the Mehbooba Mufti government of ignoring the interests of Jammu and Ladakh and said, "PM Modi sent crores of rupees for the development of J&K, but the PDP government ignored the interests of Jammu and Ladakh. So we decided to quit the government".

"For us, the development of Jammu and Ladakh is the top-most priority," Shah added.

Criticising both the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the National Conference (NC) the BJP president said, "We allotted 40 cr for development of Pashmina and 45 cr for Pampore haat. People's Democratic Party (PDP) ruled Jammu and Kashmir for three generations but never did anything for Pashmina or Pampore haat".

"Political parties regret when their govt falls but BJP is the only party which raised slogans of 'Bharat Mata ki Jai'. It shows BJP's patriotism," Shah went on to claim further.

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In a veiled attack on Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Saifuddin Soz over their recent Kashmir remarks, Shah said, "Rahul Gandhi should apologize for the statements made by his party leaders".

LIVE: Shri @AmitShah addressing a public meeting in Jammu. #JnKWithBJP https://t.co/dCv0vg0Tf6

— BJP (@BJP4India) June 23, 2018

Earlier in the day, Shah, who is on a day-long trip to the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir, was accorded a rousing reception with party's youth wing taking out a bike rally from the airport to the state guest house.          

This was his first visit after BJP's withdrawal of support from the Mehbooba Mufti government on Tuesday. The state is now under governor's rule.

The BJP chief was accompanied by state party president Ravinder Raina and other senior leaders. The BJP observes June 23 as Mookerjee's 'Balidan Diwas'.

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During his visit, Shah chaired the party's election committee meeting to discuss the issues for the next election. He also held meetings with digital media and social media volunteers, and participate in other organisational events.

The strategy of the party for the next year's Lok Sabha elections was part of the discussions as the party is prepared to face the elections, scheduled to take place in 2019.