J&K seeks Modi apology on beggar state jibe

The ruling National Conference (NC) Saturday demanded an apology from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi for describing Jammu and Kashmir as a beggar state.

Modi, during his maiden public rally in the state's winter capital Jammu Dec 1, said despite huge natural resources, Jammu and Kashmir was always approaching the central government with a begging bowl.

In a joint statement, NC leaders said Saturday it was neither a slip of the tongue nor an inadvertent mistake but a deliberate attempt on Modi's part to provoke the people of Jammu and Kashmir to react so BJP could derive benefit in the states during the just-concluded assembly polls and the 2014 general elections.

The ruling party leaders said the Gujarat chief minister has tried to belittle the people by describing Jammu and Kashmir as a beggar state and the statement has demonstrated insensitivity, arrogance and lack of comprehension of a person aspiring to become the prime minister.

"By showing immense degree of sagacity, the people of the state have not obliged the saffron brigade to succeed in its machinations", the NC leaders said, cautioning the people against the BJP's sinister designs.

The ruling party leaders have decried what they called the hypocrisy of Modi by talking about winning the hearts and minds of the people by invoking BJP's senior leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee and in the same breath showing contempt to the sensitivities of the people of Jammu and Kashmir who were proud of their glorious heritage which makes them givers and not takers.

The leaders also wondered over the logic put forth by BJP member of parliament Tarun Vijay who related article 370 to direct investment, asking which economics he was professing to the people.

"By saying article 370 has made the state poor and deprived people opportunities to employment, industrialisation and direct investment, the BJP leader has demonstrated his intellectual bankruptcy.

"We were among the first states to welcome foreign direct investment in retail," they maintained.

The NC leaders cautioned BJP to desist from testing the patience of people.

"By trampling over the spirit of article 370, the self-seekers in BJP were doing disservice to the nation for their lust of power."