- Sunday, April 20, 2025
At a rally, Modi slammed the opposition Indian National Congress accusing it of misguiding both the people of Kashmir and all Indians on the repealed constitutional article.
By: Shubham Ghosh
INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (7) visited Kashmir, the northern Union Territory (UT), where he inaugurated several developmental projects worth over Rs 6,400 crore (£605 million). It was his first visit to Srinagar, the capital, since the repeal of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution that gave the former state a special status.
In Srinagar, Modi addressed a programme named ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir’ (Developed India Developed Jammu Kashmir) where he said he was “elated to be amongst the wonderful people of Srinagar.”
“Dil jeetne aaya hun…” (I have come here to win hearts), Modi, who was felicitated by the lieutenant general of Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, said.
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“Development projects being dedicated today will boost the development of Jammu and Kashmir. A developed Jammu and Kashmir priority for developed India,” the prime minister said in his address at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar.
He also said that there was a time when the people of Jammu and Kashmir were denied benefits.
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“There was an era when law implemented in other parts of the country could not be implemented in Jammu and Kashmir, when schemes for the welfare of the poor were implemented across the country, but our brothers and sisters of Jammu and Kashmir were deprived of the benefits. See now, how the times have changed,” Modi said.
He also slammed the opposition Indian National Congress saying it misguided the people of Jammu and Kashmir as well as the entire nation on Article 370.
The Modi government abrogated the article in August 2019, triggering a controversy. The move saw Kashmir becoming bifurcated into the UTs of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh.
Several opposition parties, including Kashmir’s local outfits, criticised the step. Protests were also made in Pakistan against New Delhi’s decision and an already disturbed relationship between the two nations was affected more.
“Today, I got the opportunity to inaugurate several development projects related to tourism. The power of development, tourism possibilities, empowerment of farmers, and the leadership of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir is not just a region, it is the forehead of India. Viksit Jammu and Kashmir is the priority of Viksit Bharat,” he said.
“I have been told that 100,000 people from 285 blocks have joined us virtually. I want to thank the people of Jammu and Kashmir. This new Jammu and Kashmir has a bright future and the courage to overcome challenges… Seeing your happy faces, 140 crore people across the country are feeling satisfied,” Modi said.
Earlier, Modi distributed appointment letters to nearly 1,000 freshly recruited government employees and spoke with the beneficiaries of various schemes of his government, including women achievers, entrepreneurs and farmers.
He also spoke with his “friend” Nazim at the rally and took a selfie with him. The latter, a resident of Kashmir’s Pulwama district, is said to be a beneficiary of the ‘Viksit Bharat’ programme and was picked for a talk with the prime minister at the venue.
Modi also posted the selfie with Nazim on his X account and called it “memorable” and lauded the latter for his “good work”.
A memorable selfie with my friend Nazim. I was impressed by the good work he’s doing. At the public meeting he requested a selfie and was happy to meet him. My best wishes for his future endeavours. pic.twitter.com/zmAYF57Gbl
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 7, 2024
Earlier, the Prime Minister distributed appointment letters to nearly 1,000 newly recruited government employees and interacted with the beneficiaries of various central schemes, including women achievers, farmers and entrepreneurs.
Modi also visited an exhibition that showcased Kashmir’s local products. A video of his visit was also shared on social media.
The prime minister has also initiated tourism projects in line with his vision to better the overall experiences of tourists and pilgrims visiting prominent pilgrimage and tourism sites across the nation by putting in place world-class infrastructure and amenities.
Strict security arrangements were made at the venue of the rally which was draped in the Indian Tricolour, news agency Press Trust of India reported.
With the national elections just an announcement away, Modi’s visit to Kashmir, an otherwise sensitive region because of its disturbed political history, has added more significance to its politics.
Modi visited the Hindu-dominant Jammu in February.
