RJD Criticizes Amit Shah Over Coalition Remarks in J&K

RJD leader Manoj Kumar Jha criticizes Home Minister Amit Shah for his comments on the Congress-National Conference alliance in Jammu and Kashmir. Jha asserts Shah is troubled by the coalition, highlighting continuing violence in the region. Shah questions Congress's stance on reservations post-Article 370 abrogation.

Targeting Amit Shah for his remarks on the Congress-National Conference alliance in Jammu and Kashmir, RJD leader Manoj Kumar Jha on Saturday said that the Home Minister is concerned about the coalition's formation. 'This same NC was in existence during the NDA government when BJP was in alliance with PDP,' Jha told ANI, emphasizing that some issues remain non-negotiable at the national level.

Jha also referred to recent attacks in the region, stating, 'Our soldiers and local residents are being killed in Jammu and the valley. Look at the current condition of the Union territory.' On Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah sharply criticized the Congress over its alliance with the National Conference for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, questioning its position on the NC's poll manifesto. Shah remarked, 'The Modi government ended years of discrimination against Dalits, tribes, Pahadis, and backward communities by granting reservations post-Article 370 and 35A abrogation.'

Shah also queried Rahul Gandhi on supporting the NC's manifesto, which he claims seeks to abolish reservations for Dalits, Gujjars, Bakerwals, and Pahadis. He stated that Congress, after allying with NC, should clarify its stance on reservation policy. BJP leader Devendra Rana asserted that BJP would prevent the coalition from winning, hinting at the party's aim to form the government in the Union Territory. 'National Conference's manifesto aims to consolidate anti-national forces,' Rana mentioned during a press conference, accusing NC of intending to end reservation privileges for marginalized communities in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Congress-NC pre-poll alliance announcement was made after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge met NC chief Farooq Abdullah. Farooq Abdullah declared that the Congress-NC would contest for all 90 seats in the assembly polls, under the unified slogan 'United, we stand,' posted by JKNC on X.

(With inputs from agencies.)