Srinagar: Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, during a rally at Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar on Thursday, reaffirmed the BJP’s commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. Addressing a large crowd, Modi said that his government had made a promise in Parliament to bring back statehood and assured the people that this commitment would be fulfilled.
“We have promised in Parliament that we will restore JK’s statehood, and the BJP will fulfil this commitment,” Modi stated during his address. His comments come amid ongoing Assembly elections in the region, with the second phase of polling scheduled for September 25.
Modi’s rally was part of the BJP’s campaign efforts in Jammu and Kashmir, a region where the party is aiming to strengthen its foothold.
Modi’s visit marks his first election rally in the Valley for the ongoing Assembly elections, following a public meeting in Doda, Jammu, on September 14. The rally is seen as an important moment for the BJP, which is contesting fewer seats in Kashmir compared to previous elections, fielding candidates in only 19 out of the 47 constituencies.
During the speech, Modi also took aim at the region’s political dynasties, accusing the Abdullah, Mufti, and Gandhi families of fostering a culture of hate and neglecting the youth of Kashmir. He criticised these families for encouraging stone-pelting among the region’s youth, a narrative the BJP has long maintained.
BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh had earlier described Modi’s visit as a “game changer” for the region, predicting a strong turnout at the rallies. Security arrangements were heightened with coordination between the JK police and the Special Protection Group (SPG). Sharpshooters and extensive electronic surveillance were deployed to ensure safety during the event.
