As Jammu and Kashmir progresses through its 2024 Assembly Elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again reaffirmed the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) commitment to restoring the region’s statehood. Speaking at a rally in Srinagar on September 19, Modi emphasized that the BJP would fulfill this promise and continued to highlight the developmental strides Jammu and Kashmir has made since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
A Promise of Restoration and Progress
In his speech, PM Modi underscored the importance of restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood as part of the BJP’s agenda for progress in the region. “We are committed to returning Jammu and Kashmir to its rightful status,” he declared to the cheering crowd, reaffirming that the government would deliver on this promise at the right time.
Modi also reflected on the challenges the region has faced, particularly its political history and the impact of terror-related violence. He noted the high voter turnout in the first phase of the elections as evidence of the people’s desire for peace and normalcy. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir have rejected parties that supported terrorism and violence,” he said, indirectly referencing the National Conference, Congress, and the People’s Democratic Party.
Voter Participation and a Call for Record Turnout
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024 have seen an encouraging level of participation in the first phase, which PM Modi said was a sign of the region’s desire for a new chapter of peace and development. The Prime Minister called on voters to maintain this momentum in the upcoming phases, scheduled for September 25 and October 1. “Let’s make history by achieving a record voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir,” Modi said.
He emphasized that every vote cast was a vote for a brighter future, free from terror and political instability. The Prime Minister asked voters to keep in mind the progress made since 2019, including the uninterrupted functioning of schools and colleges, a stark contrast to the previous years of unrest.
A Vision of Peace and Development
Throughout his rally, PM Modi laid out a vision for a peaceful and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir, where the youth can thrive. He mentioned the government’s efforts to improve the region’s infrastructure and provide employment opportunities for young people, thereby moving the region away from its past associations with violence.
“We are building AIIMS, IITs, and other major infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir,” Modi said, highlighting the importance of education and job creation for the youth. He assured the public that his government’s goal was to ensure that the new generation does not suffer the consequences of political instability.
Focus on Local Employment and Infrastructure Growth
PM Modi also emphasized the importance of local employment generation in his address, saying that the BJP government’s initiatives were focused on providing more jobs and boosting economic activity in the region. The development of infrastructure, particularly in education and healthcare, has been a cornerstone of the government’s plan to integrate Jammu and Kashmir fully into India’s growing economy.
“Today, we hear news of development and progress, not of schools being shut or stone pelting,” Modi remarked, reiterating the transformation the region has undergone since 2019.
A Historic Election in the Making
As the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024 move towards their final phases, the region stands at a historic crossroads. With the second phase set for September 25 and the final phase on October 1, all eyes are on the election outcome, scheduled for October 8. PM Modi’s commitment to restoring statehood and his emphasis on peace and progress could shape the political future of the region for years to come.
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