Congress points to upcoming Jammu and Kashmir elections as reason for Sajjad Lone meeting PM Narendra Modi

The Congress on Monday pointed to the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir as the reason for Prime Minister Narendra Modi meeting People's Conference leader Sajjad Lone, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of having eyes 'solely on the upcoming polls'.

"For the BJP, there is nothing more important than the elections. Even the security of the country can be compromised. Earlier, they were attacking and criticizing the separatist groups and they alleged that while other parties were in talks with the groups, they themselves were sternly handling them," Congress leader PC Chacko told ANI.

"Now you see that merely for electoral gains, the BJP is joining hands with the separatists. This shows their scant regard for the security of the country. Their eyes are solely on the election prospects," he added.

Earlier today, Lone met with the Prime Minister, triggering speculations that the former separatist leader might join hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the assembly polls.

The assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in five phases - on November 25, December 2, December 9, December 14 and December 20. The counting of votes will be held on December 23.