Maharashtra Deputy CM Highlights Improved Security in Jammu and Kashmir

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister lauds the improved security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, contrasting it with earlier fears expressed by former Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde. He commended India's response to the Pulwama attack and noted the region's newfound celebration of festivals. Union Minister Piyush Goyal also criticised the previous Congress government's security measures.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) praised the situation in the Jammu and Kashmir region on Tuesday amid a row over remarks made by former Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde. 'Once upon a time, it was impossible to hoist the national flag at Lal Chowk, but now the national flag is waiving proudly,' he said.

Former Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde launched his book 'Five Decades of Politics' on Monday at the India International Centre in Delhi. During the launch, Shinde revealed that when he used to visit Kashmir's Lal Chowk and Dal Lake as Home Minister, he felt scared and could not share this with anyone despite receiving good publicity for his visits.

On the same day, the Maharashtra Deputy CM offered prayers at the Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Mandal in Pune. Speaking to journalists, he stated that India had delivered a fitting reply to the Pulwama attack. 'Many VIPs, including the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Defence Minister, used to visit Kashmir, but incidents like Pulwama happened. Instead of being mere spectators, India gave a befitting reply through a counterattack, which was praised by the people,' he noted. He added that the region's situation is now different, with people celebrating Ganeshotsav, Navratri, Eid, and other festivals without fear.

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal, also criticised the previous Congress government over Shinde's remarks, asserting that the nation's security is so robust that 'opposition leaders' now enjoy playing in the snow in Kashmir without fear. 'During the Congress rule, even the Home Minister of the country was afraid of going to Kashmir. But under PM Narendra Modi's leadership, the security of the nation is so strong that even the 'opposition leaders' play with snow in Kashmir without any fear,' Goyal stated in a post on X.

(With inputs from agencies.)