JAMMU: The removal of Article 370 from J&K in 2019, as emphasized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the launch of more than 220 projects valued at Rs 32,000 crore in Jammu‘s Maulana Azad Stadium, has expanded the region’s possibilities for development and peace. Prime Minister Modi assured the audience that, under his leadership, the long-standing hindrance of “dynasty politics” would be overcome, affirming it as his personal commitment, or “Modi’s guarantee,” to realize the aspirations of the past 70 years.
Prime Minister Modi called upon the people to provide the BJP and NDA with a resounding 400-plus mandate in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, expressing unwavering confidence in their ability to transform J&K into a developed region, referred to as “Viksit J&K.” He lauded the removal of Article 370, describing it as the elimination of a barrier hindering J&K’s development and expressing satisfaction that it had dismantled the “wall between the country and J&K’s development.”
Modi also pointed out the drawbacks of families that had governed J&K since independence, accusing them of prioritizing power grabs over the welfare of the people. He emphasized the self-serving nature of such leadership, stating that those focused on their families would not spare a thought for the common citizens. The Prime Minister expressed happiness over J&K breaking free from what he referred to as “dynasty politics.”
सबका साथ, सबका विकास, सबका विश्वास और सबका प्रयास का मंत्र, विकसित जम्मू-कश्मीर की बुनियाद है। pic.twitter.com/pa62lsIKQh
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 20, 2024
Without explicitly naming any individual or political party, Prime Minister Modi indirectly referred to Congress and regional parties such as the National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which held governance in J&K before 2019. Modi underscored the positive transformation in J&K following the removal of Article 370, emphasizing the shift from a narrative dominated by conflict to one centered around education, connectivity, inclusivity, and development.
The Prime Minister noted the remarkable progress in education in J&K, citing the establishment of two IITs, two AIIMS, an increase in the number of medical colleges from four to 12, and the addition of 45 nursing and paramedical colleges. Modi also celebrated constitutional advancements in social justice, including granting SC status to the Valmiki community and the inclusion of Paddari, Pahari, Gadda Brahmans, and Kolis in the ST category.
Highlighting the positive feedback received during his recent foreign trip to West Asia regarding J&K’s hospitality, Modi acknowledged the surge in tourism with 2 crore tourists visiting the region last year, creating employment opportunities. He assured that with a significant boost in infrastructure, J&K would become a preferred tourist destination, even comparing it to Switzerland.
Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the first electric train in Kashmir and expressed optimism about the day when people could travel across the country by taking a train from Kashmir.