JAMMU, Sept 28: Prime Minister NarendraModi on Saturday said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir no longer want terrorism, separatism, or bloodshed, but are instead looking for a better future for their children.
The heavy voter turnout in the first two phases of the ongoing Assembly elections, he emphasized, signals a clear shift toward the BharatiyaJanata Party (BJP), which is on track to form its first-ever government in the region.
“The mood of the people and the high voter turnout in the first two phases have made it clear that the BJP is going to form its first government in Jammu and Kashmir with a full majority,” PM Modi asserted during his 40-minute address at a packed rally in MA Stadium, Jammu.
Thousands of supporters from across the region had gathered to hear the Prime Minister’saddress.
“This Assembly election is a historic moment for the people of Jammu region. For the first time, they will have the decisive say in who will form the next government in J&K,” he said. Modi further highlighted that the people’s overwhelming support in the first two phases reflects their desire for change and a BJP-led government in the state.
With the slogan “Jammu-Kashmir Ki YehiPukar, AaRahi BJP Sarkar,” Modi appealed to the people to reject the three dynastic parties—National Conference (NC), Congress (Cong), and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—which he blamed for the region’s suffering.
“These three parties are responsible for the miseries of the people of J&K,” he stated.
In his speech, Modi reminded the audience that September 28 marks the anniversary of India’s surgical strike. “Today, on this very date in 2016, India conducted a surgical strike. The Modi government gave a befitting reply to Pakistan’s provocations. When a bullet is fired from across the border, we respond with bombs,” he said, adding that this has shown the world that this is “New India” which can strike its enemies even in their own territory.
“The perpetrators and supporters of terrorism know that the Modi government will bring them out from wherever they hide,” he said, adding that cross-border firing has significantly decreased under his administration.
PM Modi launched a fierce attack on the Congress, NC, and PDP, accusing them of “inflicting wounds” on the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He charged these parties with serving their own interests and families while ignoring the needs of the common people. “These three parties gave wounds to the people of J&K but BJP will heal them and provide a transparent government,” Modi promised.
He pointed to decades of discrimination against the Jammu region by these parties, stating that they had defamed the Dogra rulers and heritage. “Congress said the Dogra rule was corrupt, which is an insult to the Dogras of Jammu region,” Modi remarked.
Modi also held these parties responsible for the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, assuring the audience that the BJP is formulating a policy under the TikaLalTaploo Scheme for the rehabilitation of KPs. “NC, Congress, and PDP insulted Maharaja Hari Singh and attacked Dogra heritage,” he added.
In a direct appeal to the Dogra community, Modi said, “The BJP is committed to giving justice to Jammu region.”
Touching upon the sensitive issue of Jammu and Kashmir’s status as a Union Territory (UT), PM Modi clarified that this was a temporary measure. “Making J&K a Union Territory was a temporary decision, and only the BJP will restore statehood to J&K,” he said, reiterating that the BJP is committed to fulfilling this promise in due time.
Modi highlighted the BJP government’s efforts to bring justice to marginalized communities such as the West Pakistani Refugees (WPR), Gorkhas, Valmikis, and POJK refugees, who he said were treated as second-class citizens by previous regimes.
“Under BJP rule, every citizen will receive their due rights, whether it’s voting rights, government jobs, or reservations,” he said.
He went on to list the various development projects undertaken by the BJP in the region, including the establishment of IITs, AIIMS, tunnels, and other infrastructure projects. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to modernize Jammu Railway Station, expand Jammu Airport, and complete projects like the Bahu Ropeway and Tawi Riverfront.
Modi assured the business community that his government is working to bring more investment to Jammu to generate local employment opportunities. He also promised a push in the tourism sector and further development of sites like Gharana wetland and Surinsarlake.
In a pointed attack on Congress, PM Modi accused the party of being under the influence of “Urban Naxals,” who, he said, prioritize appeasement politics. “The Congress is controlled by Urban Naxal sympathizers who welcome foreign infiltrators as ‘vote banks’ while mocking the sufferings of their own citizens,” Modi said. He further accused the Congress of consistently questioning the Indian military’s surgical strikes and demanded that the public not forgive such “betrayal.”
“Yehnaya Bharat hai, yehgharmeinghuskarmaartahai,” Modi declared, recalling the surgical strikes and warning that terrorists know they cannot escape India’s retaliation under his leadership.
Modi concluded his speech by emphasizing the BJP’s focus on development and women’s empowerment. He praised the introduction of electric buses in Jammu, the planned drone pilot scheme for women, and the Self Help Group initiative to make local women “LakhpatiDidis” (self-reliant millionaires). “In the coming times, Jammu’s development will accelerate further,” he promised.
The campaigning for 40 assembly segments spread across Jammu and Kashmir is entering its final phase, with the third and last round of voting scheduled for October 1. Assembly elections are being held in J&K after a gap of ten years, and this is the first election since the abrogation of Article 370.
