In a high-stakes campaign rally in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a fierce attack on the Congress, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and National Conference (NC), accusing them of enabling separatism and terrorism in the region. Modi’s visit, which marked the first appearance by a Prime Minister in Doda in over four decades, was accompanied by stringent security measures.
Addressing a packed rally on September 14, Modi emphasized the transformative changes in Jammu and Kashmir over the past decade. “I will repay this love and blessings of yours by working twice and thrice as hard for you and the country,” Modi assured the audience. He reiterated his commitment to making Jammu and Kashmir prosperous, branding it as “Modi Ki Guarantee.”
Criticizing the previous administration, Modi claimed that Congress, PDP, and NC had “prepared the necessary ground for separatism and terrorism” in the region. “The election is between the youths of J-K and three families. On one side are three families, and the other side are the youths of J-K,” Modi said. He accused these parties of benefiting from the turmoil in Jammu and Kashmir, suggesting they perpetuated instability for their own gain.
The Prime Minister reflected on past security issues, citing former Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde’s admission of fear regarding visits to Lal Chowk. Modi highlighted the drastic shift in the security landscape, noting, “There was a time when there used to be an undeclared curfew after evening. The situation was such that Union Home Minister used to be scared to visit Lal Chowk.”
Modi asserted that terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is now in its final stages. “Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is now breathing its last,” he declared, praising the progress made over the past ten years. He contrasted the current situation with the past, where stone-pelting incidents were common. Modi also pointed to the positive changes, such as increased access to voting rights and reservations for marginalized groups, as significant achievements of his government.
The Prime Minister criticized the Congress, PDP, and NC for their stance on Article 370, suggesting that their proposed policies would reverse the progress made. “If their promises are implemented, Jammu and Kashmir will go back to the days when schools were put on fire, stone pelting was a daily affair,” he warned.
Modi reassured residents of Jammu and Kashmir, irrespective of their religion or cultural affiliation, of the BJP’s commitment to their rights. “I guarantee to safeguard your rights. It’s only BJP that can reinforce statehood to Jammu and Kashmir,” he stated.
The BJP’s stronghold in the Jammu region has been notable, with the party winning all 25 seats from this region in the 2014 Assembly elections. The party is contesting all 43 Assembly seats in the Jammu division for the upcoming elections.
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections are set to be held in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1, with the counting of votes scheduled for October 8. This election marks the first Assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir in a decade and the first since the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A.
