We consider you our own: Rajnath Singh appeals to PoK residents to join India amid J&K election rally

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while addressing an election rally in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban constituency, made a strong appeal to the residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to join India, stressing that they are considered "our own" in contrast to Pakistan, where they are treated as "foreigners." Singh’s remarks came as part of his campaign for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

In his speech, Singh emphasized that if the BJP is given the opportunity to govern Jammu and Kashmir, the region will experience rapid development. He highlighted that the progress in J&K could inspire people in PoK to seek integration with India. “There will be so much development here that the people in PoK, seeing it, will prefer to come to India,” said Singh.

Defense minister on bringing in POK 

The Defence Minister also pointed out Pakistan’s own stance on PoK, citing an affidavit from Pakistan’s additional solicitor general that referred to PoK as "foreign territory." Singh addressed the people of PoK directly, stating, “Pakistan considers you foreigners, but India considers you as our own. Come, join us.”

During the rally, Singh criticized the National Conference-Congress alliance for their poll promise of restoring Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. He asserted that reinstating the article is impossible under the BJP’s leadership and accused the opposition of fearmongering over its abrogation, saying, “We did it boldly and nothing happened.”

Election overview

The rally comes as part of the BJP’s larger election campaign in Jammu and Kashmir. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had also visited the region to launch the BJP’s manifesto and meet with party leaders. Elections in Jammu and Kashmir will take place in three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1, with results expected on October 8.

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