Jammu & Kashmir Election: Yogi Adityanath Says PoK Will Merge With India If BJP Wins

During the campaign for the final phase of voting in Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath claimed on Thursday that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) would be integrated into India once the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secures power in the region, according to reports.

Speaking at an election rally in Jammu's RS Pura, Adityanath remarked that Pakistan was struggling to maintain its democracy and was on the verge of collapse.

At another rally in Ramgarh, the 52-year-old BJP leader pointed out that "voices for separation are rising" in POK.

He went on to add that, "After BJP's return (to power) here through peaceful elections, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is also going to be a part of Jammu and Kashmir. And this is the commotion in Pakistan, they are struggling to save their democracy. They are battling hard to save their democracy," Adityanath told the crowd in RS Pura.

Back in May 2024, Adityanath had made a similar prediction, saying that POK would be part of India within six months of the formation of the Modi 3.0 government.

As the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections continue, voting for the third phase, covering 40 seats, is set for October 1, alongside the Haryana Assembly election.

This is the first Assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370.

The results of both the Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana Assembly elections will be declared on October 8.