Srinagar – Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a large rally in Srinagar on Thursday, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming voter turnout in the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. He stated that the high voter participation is a clear rejection of parties sympathetic to stone-pelting and terrorism, emphasizing the people’s trust in his vision for a secure and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking at the rally ahead of the second phase of the elections, PM Modi reaffirmed his commitment to accelerating the development of Jammu and Kashmir. He took aim at regional political families, particularly the National Conference (NC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and Congress, accusing them of treating Jammu and Kashmir's politics as their personal domain.
“These three families have controlled the political landscape here, denying others the opportunity to lead. Why did they halt elections for panchayats, BDCs, and DDCs?" Modi asked. He went on to claim that these parties kept the people of Jammu and Kashmir deprived of their legitimate rights and gave them only fear and chaos.
Modi highlighted that today's youth hold pens, books, and laptops, rather than stones. "There is no longer news of schools being set on fire. Instead, we hear about the construction of new schools, colleges, AIIMS, medical colleges, and IITs," he said, expressing his desire for local children to receive quality education and find opportunities within the region.
The Prime Minister also touched upon the plight of Kashmiri Pandits, attributing their displacement to the flawed policies of these three families. "Kashmiri Pandits, Sikhs, and other communities suffered under their rule. Today, we are working to bridge the gap between Delhi and Kashmir, bringing different religions and regions together."
Modi took pride in the return of 50,000 children to schools and the introduction of pre-primary classes in 15,000 schools benefiting over 1.5 lakh children. Additionally, 250 schools are being upgraded to PM-SHRI schools.
He praised the peaceful first phase of voting, noting that for the first time, it was conducted without the shadow of terrorism. "This is a celebration of democracy, and I am heartened by the large number of people who came out to vote," Modi said.
Concluding his address, PM Modi emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir’s rich heritage, including sacred sites like Hazratbal, Jyeshtha Mata, Kheer Bhawani, and Shankaracharya Temple, have been compromised under previous leadership. He celebrated the peaceful atmosphere that has allowed for the revival of Muharram processions after three decades, as well as the growth of tourism and livelihoods.
The Prime Minister credited the people of Jammu and Kashmir for contributing to this peaceful environment, saying, "Taxi drivers, small business owners, everyone is earning their livelihood peacefully now—this is all because of the people of Jammu and Kashmir."
