Package for refugees just a political gimmick: BJP

BJP today hit out at the Jammu and Kashmir government over its approval of a resettlement package for PoK refugees, saying the decision is a political "gimmick" to "hoodwink" people ahead of Assembly elections.
"The package approved by the state Cabinet is nothing but a political gimmick to hoodwink the people ahead of Assembly elections," General Secretary of the state unit of BJP Bali Bhagat said.
Jammu and Kashmir government recently approved a package of Rs 9,000 crore for resettlement of refugees from Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The proposal has been sent to the Union government for its approval and grant of funds.

BJP also questioned the timing of the decision, saying it comes at a time when the Election Commission is about to declare the dates of assembly elections in the state.
Attacking Congress over the issue, he said, "If Congress was serious about addressing grievances of the refugees, it would have approved the same package much earlier when it was in power at the Centre," Bhagat Said.
"Gone are the days when Congress used to befool the people by such deceitful tactics," he said.
"Congress was in power at the Centre for 10 long years and the party has been in government in Jammu and Kashmir for the last 12 years, but did not act on the issues of the refugees living in the state.

"During the past 12 years, Congress leaders have done nothing to solve problems of the refugees, but now this party is trying to claim that it is the champion of the cause of the refugees," he alleged.