J&K example of Nehru's failed political model: MoS Jitendra Singh

Jammu: A day after Finance Minister Arun Jaitley criticised Nehruvian model of development, saying it had held the country back, Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday termed Jammu and Kashmir a glaring example of the "failure" of Nehru's political model.

"Yesterday, Union Finance Minister spoke about the failed Nehruvian model of economy and today I say that if you want to see the failed political model of Nehru, then Jammu and Kashmir is the best example", Singh said while addressing a "Yaad Karo Kurbani" rally in the outskirts of Jammu on Sunday.

Speaking at a function in Mumbai, Jaitley had said, "But when he (Narasimha Rao) became the prime minister, he found that there were no foreign reserves left in its kitty, and that the country was heading towards bankruptcy.

So, the reforms were brought in due to that compulsion, due to failure of that system."

Singh said Jammu and Kashmir is a glaring example of the "failed" politics of the first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru.

Singh said the area of Jammu and Kashmir under the control of Maharaja Hari Singh was 2.25 lakh square kms, but due to the "failed" political approach of first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru, India got only one lakh square kms of the area, rest was occupied by Pakistan like area of Gilgit and Baltistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

"The Maharaja was so annoyed with Nehru that he decided never to return to Jammu and Kashmir and breathed his last in Mumbai", Singh said.

He said the 'Tiranga Yatra' started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be complete only after the Indian flag is unfurled in Gilgit-Baltistan and Kotli.

Singh said that raising issue of Human Rights abuses in Balochistan was necessary for the "self defence" of the country, as the situation in the neighbourhood directly affects us.

"People say that by raising the issue of Balochistan we are interfering in the internal matters of other country, whether it is interference or not, but when someone across the wall of your house is indulge in slaughter, it is your right to act for your own safety and your defence", he said.

He said that if there was problem in the neighbourhood, then "we are affected, whether it is Balochistan or Pakistan occupied Kashmir", he said.

BJP Minister Chandar Prakash Ganga while addressing the gathering alleged the stone pelters in Kashmir were being paid to target security personnel and the rate has increased.

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh and other senior BJP leaders also addressed the rally.