BJP to focus on development issue for J&K polls:Jitendra Singh

The issue of Article 370 is a part of BJP's manifesto, but the party will focus on development during its campaign for assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister Jitendra Singh today said.
"It is not that any issue on BJP's manifesto has any less significance. But the focus and attention will be on the development issue in the forthcoming elections," said the Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office when asked if Article 370 would be the focus in the polls.
The minister was talking to reporters after a high-level meeting of the party on the elections, which are scheduled later this year.

Maintaining that the issue of Article 370 is in the party manifesto and fully alive, he said first the party will focus on the region's development.
"We held deliberations on all issues for the forthcoming elections at a high-level meeting here today," he said.
On the issue of price rise and rail fare hike, he said, "It is not for me to answer. Railway and Finance Ministry will take the call and come out with a view in a manner which is appropriate."

"I hope that the Budget to be presented by the Finance Minister will be as per the expectation of the people of the country," he added.

On the proposal of the National Conference government in the state to give amnesty to 7000 stone-pelters in Kashmir, he said, "I am not here to discuss any particular political party's agenda. But wherever the national interests are affected, government of India will take a call."
On the issue of Iraq and Indians being trapped there, he said, "The Prime Minister and Foreign Ministry are anxious about the situation in Iraq and all necessary measures are being taken."
Singh informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the train to Katra before the commencement of the Budget session.