New Delhi, September 27, 2024 — BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar expressed his approval of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s recent address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he notably refrained from mentioning the Kashmir issue. Chandrasekhar remarked that this shift signals a growing international recognition of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) as an integral part of India.
Speaking to IANS, Chandrasekhar stated, “The world now understands that the narrative surrounding J&K being a disputed territory is history.” He attributed this change to the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, which he believes has ushered in a “festival of democracy” in the region, as evidenced by increased voter turnout in recent elections.
Chandrasekhar highlighted the socio-economic advancements in J&K since its designation as a Union Territory. “Today, J&K is becoming a prosperous Union Territory, where there will be opportunities and investments for the youth,” he asserted, adding that the region’s youth are poised to contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.
Erdogan’s address at this year’s UNGA marked a departure from his previous stance, where he had frequently criticized India’s policies in J&K. Historically, he has highlighted the need for dialogue regarding Kashmir, suggesting that peace and stability were lacking in the region. However, his focus this year shifted primarily to the Israel-Gaza conflict, leading many to speculate about the reasons behind his omission of Kashmir.
Political analysts view Erdogan’s muted response on Kashmir as a potential diplomatic move, possibly reflecting India’s growing global standing. New Delhi has consistently dismissed Erdogan’s previous remarks on the issue as unwarranted interference in its internal affairs.
Chandrasekhar’s comments come as the Indian government continues to promote narratives of development and integration in J&K, contrasting sharply with the narratives propagated by opposition parties and regional dynasties that have historically framed the region’s status as contentious.