Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at an election rally in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, said that militancy in the region is almost over. He also criticized political families for damaging the region’s future and promised that his government would restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
During his 45-minute speech, Modi called on people not to vote for the National Conference (NC), Congress, or the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He claimed these parties only cared about their own families, ignoring the needs of the region.
“These elections will decide the future of Jammu and Kashmir. For years, foreign powers have targeted this beautiful region, and dynastic politics has made it hollow from within,” Modi said. “The parties you trusted never cared for your children. They only cared about their own, and never let new leaders rise.”
Modi praised his government’s “efforts to develop young leadership” in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting local elections like the panchayat elections in 2018, Block Development Council elections in 2019, and District Development Council elections in 2020.
“After 2014, we tried to bring forth young leaders by holding local elections. As a result, 30,000 to 35,000 youth were elected and took charge. This was a way to take democracy to the grassroots,” the Prime Minister said.
Modi also said that the change in Jammu and Kashmir over the last decade has been significant, and credited the people for helping build a new future for the region. “The stones that were once thrown at the police and Army are now being used to build a new Jammu and Kashmir. This was not done by Modi but by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
The Prime Minister urged people to vote for new leadership, saying, “This election is between three families and the youth. On one side are those three families, and on the other are my daughters and sisters, who are working towards their dreams.”
Modi also accused the Congress, NC, and PDP of corruption, nepotism, and encouraging terrorism. “These three families are responsible for destroying Jammu and Kashmir. They promoted land grabbers and denied the people their rights,” he said.
