While the 198-km-long International Border remains volatile with nearly 10 civilian deaths in Pakistan firing and injuries to more than 90 residents in the past one week, the BJP is busy preparing for the celebratory programmes to highlight the party’s four-year rule.
The list of programmes to be held by the party on May 26 was released by BJP state president Ravinder Raina. He chaired a meeting of party workers and decided to celebrate the four years of the BJP government at all levels.
A party worker confirmed that all ministers, MLAs, MLCs and party workers had been deputed to conduct various functions. They said cultural programmes were also part of the celebrations.
The BJP leaders, who met the affected in villages in the Arnia and Abdullian areas on Wednesday, were faced with angry confrontations. Villagers living along the International Border rued that while shells landed on their homes, taking human lives and killing livestock, BJP ministers instead of extending any help had been raising slogans to highlight the party’s achievements.
“The state BJP is a shameless bunch. The leaders are escapists and only remain busy in keeping their high command in New Delhi and Kashmir-centric leaders in the Valley happy. Instead of celebrating the four years of the Centre, it should join the people on the borders on that day and provide succour to children, old and the helpless,” said Kuldeep Raj, ex-sarpanch, Karyal Khurd in Bishnah, which has been affected by border shelling.
State president Ravinder Raina, while refuting the allegations, said all BJP ministers and party workers had been regularly visiting border areas since the shelling had started and had been addressing the grievances of the residents.
“I am daily visiting various areas to take stock of the situation. Besides, there are no such celebrations on May 26, but we are holding awareness programmes to connect with people. We have got the list of the activities from New Delhi just like other states for the occasion,” said Raina.
Raina said the Ministry of Home Affairs had sanctioned Rs 415 crore for the border bunkers. He said the work on the bunkers would be soon taken up by the Public Works Department and Roads and Buildings Department.
“Besides, we will soon write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to request him to accord sanction to the construction of community complexes for the border dwellers’ safety in the wake of border shelling,” said Raina.
Amid border flare-up, BJP mulls celebrating 4 year rule
