J&K will be number one priority of BJP: Rajnath

Singh said, "There is an emotional relation of BJP with J&K. J&K will be our priority number one."

Referring to the controversial issue of Article 370, the BJP president said the provision had prevented implementation of the Panchyaati Raj Amendment Act and denied the panchayats their powers.

"Article 370, when I discuss this issue in relation to J&K, several people here get frustrated. Sarpanchs and panches got killed, gram sevaks got killed. Panchayati Raj Amendment was not implemented because of Article 370".

"I want to tell the rulers of J&K, if you want to continue Article 370, first ensure security and safety of sarpanches, gram pradhans and common people, first save them and give them guarantee of security and safety, then find some reason to keep Article 370," he said.

Claiming that refugees from Pakistan were also victim of Article 370, he said, "Refugees from Pakistan have been denied right to vote and other rights of citizens in Jammu and Kashmir. I want to tell that BJP government is coming to power and we will do whatever is needed for you.

"In this direction, we will form a national refugees relief and rehabilitation policy, which would take care of all of them and ensure them right to vote.