SRINAGAR: Union Minister for Home Affairs, Amit Shah, has urged Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) elected representatives and top strategists to intensify efforts in communicating the transformative changes ushered in by the central government in Jammu and Kashmir, contrasting it with the turbulent legacy of previous governments led by the National Conference (NC), Congress, and other regional groups.
Addressing a closed-door session with BJP’s Jammu and Kashmir leadership at the party’s headquarters in Trikuta Nagar on Sunday—the opening day of his three-day visit—Shah emphasized the need to push a narrative that reflects the central government’s achievements in peacebuilding, economic rejuvenation, and social integration in the region.
“The earlier governments ran J&K for personal gain, which led to instability and prolonged distress for its people,” Shah remarked during the meeting. “Our priority has always been the citizens’ welfare aligned with national progress. I reaffirm our commitment to lasting peace and inclusive growth in J&K, contributing meaningfully to a developed India.”
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He urged BJP leaders to carry this message to the grassroots and amplify the central government’s role in reshaping the region. “Let people see the real change. Reinforce their trust in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he added.
Shah also encouraged leaders to highlight the impact of central welfare schemes that have tangibly improved the lives of ordinary citizens. According to a senior MLA present, the minister preferred one-on-one discussions during the nearly three-hour-long session, which was described as both strategic and motivational.
Among those present were BJP national general secretary and J&K in-charge Tarun Chugh, party president Sat Sharma, and senior leader Ashok Koul. The gathering coincided with the BJP’s Foundation Day and came just ahead of the resumed budget session of the J&K Legislative Assembly, which is expected to be stormy due to recent tensions between Raj Bhawan and the NC-led alliance government, particularly over bureaucratic transfers and demands for statehood.
Shah’s visit gains further importance as it follows the formation of a new NC-led coalition government in October 2024. His reception at Jammu Technical Airport was attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Union MoS Jitendra Singh, senior administrative and police officials, and key BJP figures.
The Union Minister was escorted to Raj Bhawan under tight security. He later returned there for an overnight stay after concluding the party meeting.
On April 7, Shah’s itinerary includes a critical visit to the BSF border outpost Vinay in Kathua at 10:30 am to evaluate border security measures and anti-infiltration efforts with senior officers of BSF and paramilitary forces. He is also expected to meet the families of police personnel martyred in the recent Kathua operation and hand over appointment letters to their kin under compassionate grounds.
Later in the evening, he may meet with Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma at his Gandhi Nagar residence for informal discussions on the ongoing political dynamics. A brief spiritual visit to a nearby Shiv temple has also been planned before Shah proceeds to Srinagar.
The Srinagar leg of his visit on April 8 will involve a detailed review of central development schemes and a high-level security briefing at Raj Bhawan. Union Home Secretary and heads of intelligence and paramilitary agencies will attend, focusing on counter-terror strategies and the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. Another key agenda will be preparations for the inauguration of the Udhampur-Baramulla railway link, dubbed “Train to Kashmir,” which Prime Minister Modi is expected to launch later this month.
Sources also revealed that senior security officials including Director of Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka and BSF Director General Daljit Singh Choudhary arrived in advance to coordinate the visit. Shah is likely to virtually inaugurate or lay foundation stones for new infrastructure projects from Raj Bhawan.
Shah will conclude his visit and return to New Delhi on the afternoon of April 8.
