BJP takes on UPA over national security

JAMMU: BJP today alleged that the UPA government has failed completely to deal with the issue of national security, and the recent terror attacks in the country, including in Jammu and Kashmir, are a fallout of its soft approach towards militancy.

Referring to bomb blasts in Mahabhodi Temple at Bodh Gaya and the recent militant attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, BJP national general secretary Murlidhar Rao accused both Congress and National Conference, its ally in J&K, of encouraging fundamental, narrow-minded and separatist forces.

"Every terror attack is being politicised, and the security apparatus of the country is getting down. Institutions like NIA, CBI and IB are fighting against each other," he said.

Accusing Congress of betraying people of Telangana, Rao said BJP supports separate statehood for the region, and will vote in favour if a bill is brought in Parliament in this regard.

"Telangana issue is a historic one. Congress has betrayed the people of the region. I believe they (Congress) do not want to do it (go ahead with separate statehood for Telangana)," said Murlidhar Rao, party's national general secretary.

He said BJP will vote in favour of the bill envisaging separate Telangana, whensoever it is brought in the Parliament.

"BJP has decided that if they (Cong) introduce a bill even now in the coming Monsoon session, BJP will support the bill," Rao said.

"Due to this (Telangana) issue, the development of the state has come to a standstill. Investments are not made, administration is completely paralysed, cabinet is not able to meet and the Assembly is not able to function," he said. On economic front, Rao said all sectors, be it manufacturing, industry or agriculture, is facing crisis due to faulty policies, and country's economic situation has become worst than that in 1991-92.

Rao said Article 370 was proving to be an "idealogical barrier" between people of Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country, and causing hurdles in governance.