Rajouri (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], September 21: Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed a public gathering today, asserting that the upcoming assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir is a chance to end the dominance of the Gandhi, Abdullah, and Mufti families. He accused these families of undermining democracy since India's independence.

Shah highlighted that the influence of these families has waned, stating that local youth now carry laptops instead of stones, symbolizing a shift towards a more democratic future. He emphasized that for 75 years, the region was under the control of these families, which he claims stifled democratic progress. Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration took charge, local elections have been held, allowing 30,000 young individuals in Jammu and Kashmir to embrace democracy. He expressed confidence that these youths will rise to positions such as MLAs, MPs, and even Chief Ministers in the future.

The Home Minister criticized former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, claiming he neglected the region during a period of intense terrorism in the 1990s. "For 30 years, our children were martyred while Farooq Sahab was abroad," Shah said, holding Abdullah responsible for the region's prolonged strife and stagnation.

Shah further challenged Abdullah on his stance regarding development for the Gurjar, Bakarwal, and Pahadi communities, suggesting he has obstructed their progress and opposed reservations for them.

Addressing the Leader of the Opposition, Shah remarked that Rahul Gandhi’s "Mohabbat ki Dukaan" is where orders for terror are issued, reiterating that dialogues with Pakistan can only occur once the country ceases its support for terrorism.

He assured the crowd that reservations for hill communities would not diminish the rights of the Gujjar community, pledging to maintain job and promotion opportunities for them. Shah also announced new initiatives, including an annual payment of Rs 18,000 to the eldest woman in every household in Jammu and Kashmir. He mentioned that Ujjwala beneficiaries will receive two free gas cylinders, and the price of cylinders will be reduced to Rs 500. Additionally, the annual PM-Kisan scheme amount will rise from Rs 6,000 to Rs 10,000.

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