During a BJP rally in Doda, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took aim at three prominent political families in Jammu and Kashmir, blaming the Gandhis, Abdullahs, and Muftis for the region’s problems over the last seven decades. He urged the youth to take charge and bring about change in the upcoming elections, emphasizing that the future of J&K is in their hands.
In his 45-minute address, Modi accused the Congress, National Conference (NC), and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of serving their own interests at the expense of the people. He framed the assembly elections as a choice between “three dynasties and the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.” Modi assured voters that the BJP would restore “full statehood” to the region but urged them to be wary of those who have denied them their rights for decades..
“These families have treated the people of J&K unfairly for years, and now it’s time for a change,” he said. “For decades, they have brought nothing but death and destruction. But now, terrorism is on its last legs. Shops that once closed at sunset are open, and the stones that were once thrown at security forces are now building a new Jammu and Kashmir,” he added, becoming the first prime minister to visit Doda in 47 years.
Jammu and Kashmir is seeing its first elections in a decade, with eight assembly seats in Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban going to the polls in the first phase on September 18. This is the first assembly election since the BJP-led government revoked Articles 370 and 35-A, removing J&K’s special status in August 2019.
Also More: Key highlights of the Union Budget impacting the new-age economy
Dynasties Encouraged Separatism
Modi also accused these dynastic political parties of encouraging separatism, corruption, and the spread of the land mafia. “They enjoyed the best of both worlds, but the people here were left without basic facilities. Government jobs were handed out to those close to these families,” he said.
The Prime Minister claimed that the actions of these dynastic families made J&K fertile ground for terrorism, which was exploited by external enemies. “Thousands of children lost their lives due to the sins of these families,” he said.
Reflecting on J&K’s long struggle with external forces since Independence, Modi criticized the dynasties for weakening the region and holding back its potential. “They hollowed out this beautiful region with their self-serving politics, and in doing so, they deprived your children of a better future,” he added.
Youth at the Heart of J&K’s Development
Appealing to voters, Modi vowed to transform J&K into a peaceful and prosperous region, giving credit to the youth for the development that has already taken place over the last 10 years. “A new era of development has begun, thanks to the energy and determination of J&K’s sons and daughters,” he said. “On one side, we have the dreams of the youth, and on the other side, the same old dynastic politics.”
Modi highlighted the rise of young leaders, with 35,000 youth now stepping up across the region. He called on the people to back BJP candidates in the elections and promised to create five lakh jobs.
Promises for Kashmiri Pandits and Women
In his speech, Modi touched on BJP’s Sankalp Patra (manifesto), which includes plans to bring back and rehabilitate Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley. He also announced measures to ensure justice for victims of terrorism through fast-track cases and promised to boost financial security for women by providing ₹18,000 annually to the eldest woman in each household. Additionally, students would receive ₹3,000 per year through direct bank transfers for travel expenses to college.
Modi’s message to the people of Jammu and Kashmir was clear: trust the BJP for a future of development, peace, and prosperity, while leaving behind the old dynastic politics that has long held the region back.
Read More: PM Modi guns for 3 dynasties of J&K, urges youth to usher in change