Amit Shah targets Congress, NC, PDP in Mendhar: 'This election is going to end rule of three families in J&K'

Union home minister Amit Shah launched a fierce attack on the National Conference (NC), Congress, and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during a rally in Mendhar, Jammu & Kashmir, on Saturday, accusing them of fostering fear and terror in the region. Shah’s address comes just days before the crucial Assembly elections in the Union Territory.
Speaking to a large crowd, Shah praised the bravery of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly during wars with Pakistan and the insurgency of the 1990s.“Since 1947, in every war fought against Pakistan, the soldiers from this land, Jammu and Kashmir, have defended India. When terrorism entered in the 1990s, courtesy Farooq Abdullah, it was my Pahadi, Gurjar, and Bakarwal brothers who bravely faced bullets on the borders,” Shah said.
Attack on Article 370 and 'Family Rule'
Shah sharply criticized the manifestos of Congress, NC, and PDP, which have promised to restore Article 370 and bring back statehood. He labeled these elections as a chance to end the influence of three major political families in the region.
“This election is going to end the rule of three families in Jammu and Kashmir: the Abdullah family, the Mufti family, and the Nehru-Gandhi family. These families had stopped democracy here. If Modi ji’s government had not come in 2014, then panchayat, block, and district elections would not have taken place,” Shah said.
He further accused the three families of spreading terrorism, adding that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, terrorism has been eradicated in Jammu and Kashmir. “The youth here have been given laptops instead of stones,” he added.
Emphasis on youth participation
Highlighting the increased political engagement of local youth, Shah noted, “Thanks to Modi Ji’s efforts, today around 30,000 Kashmiri youths are contesting elections at various levels, exercising their democratic rights.”
On the region’s security situation, Shah pointed out the reduction in cross-border firing, contrasting it with the 1990s. “Earlier, there used to be firing here because the masters here were afraid of Pakistan; now Pakistan is afraid of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. If they open fire, the bullets will be answered with shells,” Shah declared.
Rahul Gandhi’s counter on statehood
Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reiterated his party’s commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. Gandhi criticized the withdrawal of statehood as a violation of constitutional rights, urging voters to support the INDIA alliance to restore their rights.
“For the first time in the history of the country, the statehood of a state has been taken away and it has been made a Union Territory. This is a violation of the constitutional rights of all of you, it is an insult to Jammu and Kashmir,” Gandhi posted on X.
He appealed to voters, promising jobs, empowerment for women, and an end to the "Injustice Era." “Your every vote to INDIA will restore your rights and make Jammu and Kashmir prosperous again,” he added.
First poll after Article 370 Abrogation
This is the first Assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The Congress and National Conference are contesting in alliance, while the PDP, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and People’s Conference are also vying for the 90 Assembly seats.
Voting for the second and third phases will be held on September 25 and October 1, with the counting of votes scheduled for October 8. Leaders from all parties have been campaigning intensively to boost their prospects ahead of this historic election.