BJP president arrives in Jammu

BJP president Amit Shah arrived here Sunday to finalise the party's poll strategy for the upcoming state assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir.

Amit Shah met BJP legislators and discussed various party-related issues, including the choice of candidates to be fielded by the party for the election due in November-December.

He will Monday visit the villagers, who were displaced in R.S. Pura sector of Jammu district. The villagers living close to the international border were affected by firing from Pakistan.

Senior BJP leader and legislator Ashok Khajuria told IANS: "We have discussed the party's plus-44 plan in Jammu & Kashmir which will definitely be accomplished during the election.

"BJP will win 44 seats in the state assembly and form the next government in Jammu and Kashmir. Those who doubt this, will have to seal their mouths as they had to after the Lok Sabha election in the country."

Asked whether the BJP would opt for a Hindu chief minister in the state if it gets a simple majority in the 87-member state legislative assembly, Khajuria said: "We believe in Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian unity."

"After getting the majority in the state assembly election, the person chosen by the BJP legislature party would become the chief minister."

Khajuria said the political philosophy and mantra of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is development for all, but appeasement to none.

"This will be put to practice in Jammu & Kashmir," he said.

Amit Shah is visiting Kathua town of Jammu region Monday, where senior Congress leader and two-time Lok Sabha member Choudhary Lal Singh is likely to join the BJP.

At present, the BJP has 11 MLAs in the 87-member state assembly.