BJP Holds ‘Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao’ Padyatras in Reasi, Kathua; Accuses Congress of Undermining Democratic Institutions
Reasi/Kathua, October 31: The Jammu and Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday organised ‘Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao’ (Save Democracy, Eliminate Anarchy) Padyatras in Reasi and Kathua districts, launching a strong political attack on the Congress over what it described as repeated attempts to undermine democratic institutions, spread misinformation and create controversies following electoral setbacks.
In Kathua, the Padyatra was led by MLA and Seh-Prabhari Reena Kashyap and BJP General Secretary and programme in-charge Baldev Singh Billawaria. District Prabhari and Vice-President Priya Sethi, District Seh-Prabhari Sanjay Baru, MLAs Rajiv Jasrotia, Advocate Vijay Sharma, Dr Bharat Bhushan, Satish Sharma and Darshan Kumar, along with District Presidents Updesh Andotra and Gopal Krishan, also addressed the gathering.
In Reasi, BJP J&K President and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma, accompanied by MP Jugal Kishore Sharma, MLAs Baldev Raj Sharma and Kuldeep Raj Dubey, District Prabhari Narain Singh, District President Rohit Dubey and other senior party leaders, led the march from Rishi Kumar Koushal Chowk to the Bus Stand.
Addressing the gathering in Kathua, Reena Kashyap criticised the Congress, accusing it of weakening democratic discourse by repeatedly questioning constitutional institutions and refusing to accept the people's mandate.
She maintained that democratic institutions must remain above partisan politics and asserted that electoral defeats should not become grounds for questioning the credibility of the constitutional framework.
"Democracy does not function according to the wishes of one political family or party; it functions according to the Constitution and the mandate of the people. Whenever Congress loses public support, it starts questioning democratic institutions and manufacturing controversies," she said, adding that such political conduct was contrary to democratic values.
Addressing the gathering in Reasi, Sat Sharma alleged that the Congress had turned its inability to accept the people's mandate into a sustained campaign against democratic institutions.
He said that instead of discharging the responsibilities of a constructive opposition, the Congress was resorting to allegations and controversies that, according to him, could erode public confidence in democratic processes.
"Democracy is much bigger than Congress's electoral ambitions. Constitutional institutions are not political punching bags, and the people's mandate cannot be challenged simply because it does not suit Congress," Sharma asserted.
Rajya Sabha MP Jugal Kishore Sharma said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had witnessed the BJP's commitment to development, transparency and public service. He maintained that the party remained committed to promoting politics centred on national interests rather than political opportunism.
He added that the BJP would continue its public outreach to counter what it termed misleading propaganda and apprise people of its political position and record.
Priya Sethi alleged that repeated accusations against democratic processes without credible grounds could damage public confidence in institutions that form the foundation of the country's democratic system.
Baldev Singh Billawaria described the Padyatra as a demonstration of the collective resolve of BJP workers to counter misinformation and uphold the credibility of democratic institutions.
Gopal Mahajan said the enthusiastic participation of party workers reflected their commitment and confidence in the BJP's organisational strength. He added that the party would continue taking its message to the people through sustained public engagement and grassroots outreach.
The Padyatras formed part of the BJP's wider political mobilisation campaign aimed at highlighting its position on democratic institutions and countering the Congress's criticism through public engagement. ANB
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