Several political parties have expressed interest in joining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to contribute to the country’s development, according to Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur. Thakur stated that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has taken the lead in this initiative and believes that their inclusion in the NDA and the Maharashtra Government would further strengthen the ruling party. He also expressed confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will continue to provide a strong and stable government at the Centre after the 2024 general elections.
Speaking at the Kangra Airport, Thakur addressed the Supreme Court’s hearings on pleas challenging the abrogation of Article 370. He highlighted the positive outcomes of this decision, stating that peace, brotherhood, and development have significantly increased in Jammu and Kashmir. Incidents of terrorist attacks and stone pelting have decreased, strict action is being taken against terrorists, and the region has witnessed a surge in tourism and investor interest. Thakur believes these changes validate the decision to remove Article 370.
During a function in Gagret, Una district, Thakur emphasized the support for the BJP, confidently stating that the party will repeat their success in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He predicted that those hoping to disrupt the BJP’s progress will not succeed this time. Thakur lauded the achievements of the NDA government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming they are unparalleled. He believes that the people desire the NDA’s return to power.
Thakur also brought attention to differing opinions within the Himachal Pradesh cabinet on the issue of a uniform civil code (UCC). He called on Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to clarify his stance on the matter, highlighting that State PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh expressed support for the UCC, while Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar labeled Singh’s statement as his personal opinion. Thakur questioned why the NDA government did not implement a uniform civil code during their nine-year majority in Parliament and criticized the timing of the UCC’s propaganda just months before the elections.
In summary, Anurag Thakur has expressed optimism regarding the NCP’s interest in joining the NDA, leading to a stronger government. He also defended the decision to remove Article 370 by highlighting the positive changes in Jammu and Kashmir. Thakur believes that the BJP will emerge victorious in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections based on their track record and the desires of the people. He urged Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to provide clarity on the uniform civil code issue and questioned the motive behind its political promotion closer to the elections.
