There is no PDP wave in Kashmir, there is just BJP wave: Dr Hina Shafi Bhat

Dr Hina Shafi Bhat, a 34 year old dental surgeon is the face of BJP in the Muslim majority Kashmir. She is contesting on her father’s constituency, Amira Kadal in the heart of Srinagar city, on BJP ticket. In a free-wheeling interview with dna, Dr Hina poured her heart out on different issues. Excerpts

Why did you choose BJP?
Being closely associated with National Conference since ages and seeing the way they have been doing things for people, nothing really could attract me. Same was with Congress and PDP. Since BJP formed the government at Centre they have done what they have said. Especially they want to handle Kashmir issue with democracy and above all Kashmiryat.

You are contesting against National Conference which your father nurtured?
This is politics.. Kashmir is a small place and the relations pop up from anywhere. Nasir Aslam Wani is MLA. Altaf Sahab (Altaf Bukhari, PDP candidate from Amira Kadal) is a family friend. Some links appear from somewhere. When they are wrong, they are wrong.

But BJP is considered pariah in Kashmir?
Which party has been owned by people here? Since I have joined BJP, I have seen that at least they have respect for women and have the determination and confidence. Wherever they put their mission they get through that.

BJP has strong views about Article 370?
I will also fight for article 370. Unfortunately few political parties are misleading that BJP is after article 370. Show me on record when anyone has said they will dissolve article 370. It was only Dr Jitendra (MoS PMO) who gave his point of view not the verdict.

Do you mean to say that BJP is not for abrogating article 370?
Yes. The day it will be proved (they abrogate the article 370) I will leave BJP.. 

BJP has strong views about Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA)?
They will not remove AFSPA till things get normal here. Everyday something happens. Militant activity is so much here they cannot lift it.

But people in Kashmir want AFSPA lifted?
There is a thinking if the army leaves, it will not take Pakistan even half an hour to occupy us. It will not take 10 minutes for China to occupy us. This force is Indian. You do not have threat from India, but you definitely have one from Pakistan.

BJP’s Mission 44 plus seems to be an uphill task. How do you plan to achieve it?
Hard work, determination, struggle and people’s thinking which is changing.

There is a speculation that there is BJP wave in Jammu and PDP wave in Kashmir?
There is no PDP wave. It is a PDP factor. There is a difference between the two. I think there is a complete BJP wave in Jammu and Kashmir.

Will Narendra Modi be able to charm the voters in the valley?
I think he is a charming prime minister. He talks touches a cord with people. We have seen how people voted for BJP in the recent Maharashtra and Haryana assembly poles.