Jammu, April 12
Within days after Congress promises to restore statehood to J&K in its “Nyay Patra”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that Jammu and Kashmir would soon get back its statehood and would have Assembly elections.
Speaking at the rally at Udhampur in support of party candidate Dr. Jitendra Singh, Modi shared his vision for a better Jammu and Kashmir, where people would have a say in how their state is run.
“Modi plans for the future. What has happened till now is just the beginning,” Modi told the crowd.
“I am working to create a new and improved Jammu and Kashmir. Soon, you will be able to elect your representatives and share your hopes and dreams with them”.
आर्टिकल 370 हटने के बाद जम्मू-कश्मीर खुलकर सांस ले रहा है। उधमपुर में आशीर्वाद देने आए मेरे परिवारजनों को मोदी की गारंटी है कि अगले 5 वर्षों में यह क्षेत्र विकास की नई ऊंचाइयों को छुएगा।https://t.co/DT7fnryK1J
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 12, 2024
This announcement is significant, especially with the Lok Sabha elections approaching on April 19. Modi assured the people of Jammu and Kashmir that the elections would happen peacefully, without the fear of terrorism or violence.
“For the first time in decades, elections in Jammu and Kashmir are happening without the threat of terrorism or violence,” Modi said. He emphasized the focus on development in the region, boosting confidence among the people and showing faith in the government’s abilities.
However, Modi didn’t shy away from criticizing the opposition parties, especially the Congress. He accused them of playing “dynasty politics” and neglecting the interests of the people.
“After removing Article 370, the Congress and its allies tried to spread false information about it in other states. But we have made Article 370 history,” Modi said. “I challenge the Congress and others – do they have the courage to bring it back? If they do, people will not support them.”
The BJP has nominated Union Minister Jitendra Singh from Udhampur for the upcoming elections, further strengthening their campaign. He has represented the area twice before and will be up against Congress’ Lal Singh this time.
Modi’s announcement drew reactions from the opposition, with former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stating that restoring statehood was not a favour but a legal obligation. He criticized the BJP government for not providing a satisfactory explanation for revoking Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood initially.
