The Lok Sabha elections have taken on all the more significance in the region as they are the first major general elections to be held since the abolition of special status and statehood in August 2019.
“The time for Jammu and Kashmir to hold assembly elections and restore its statehood is not far”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday, daring the opposition to restore Article 370, saying he had not only revoked the special status provision, but also buried it deep in the ground.
During his inaugural electoral rally in Jammu & Kashmir, Modi highlighted the progress made by the region following the implementation of Article 370, and he held the opposition parties accountable for years of stagnation.
“Jammu and Kashmir, which will also regain its statehood, will soon hold assembly elections.”
In an attempt to win support for Jammu MP Jugal Kishore Sharma and Udhampur MP Jitendra Singh, Modi further said at a rally in Udhampur, “You will again raise your issues with your legislators and ministers.”
On August 5, 2019, Jammu & Kashmir lost its special status and statehood when Article 370 was revoked, dividing the area into two Union territories: J&K, which has a legislative assembly, and Ladakh, which does not.
The first five phases of J&K’s Lok Sabha elections are scheduled for April 19 in Udhampur, April 26 in Jammu, May 7 in Anantnag-Rajouri, May 13 in Srinagar, and May 20 in Baramulla.
Because the Lok Sabha elections will be the first significant direct election held since special status and statehood were removed in August 2019, they have acquired greater significance in the region.
In Kashmir, where Muslims predominate, the National Conference presently holds all three seats, whereas the Bharatiya Janata Party currently owns both seats in Hindu dominated Jammu.
The Prime Minister slammed dynastic parties for delaying development in his 38-minute speech, promising to fix all challenges in J&K.
“They (the Opposition) had created a wall of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir for the sake of power. Thanks to your blessings, Modi tore down that wall and buried the rubble deep beneath the earth. I issue a challenge to any Indian political party, particularly the Congress, to declare that they will reinstate Article 370. Modi declared, “This nation and its people would never see their face.”
“The Congress-led INDI coalition attempted to disseminate false information about Article 370 in other states following its repeal. However, we have brought Article 370 to life. Congress and other parties are challenged by me.
PM lauds the decline in terrorism
Modi highlighted how things had improved since the revocation of Article 370, stating that for the first time in many years, elections were being held without the threat of terrorism or cross-border gunfire.
“There are no longer any poll concerns related to terrorism, secession, Article 370, stone-pelting, bandhs (strikes), or border gunfire. I am bestowed with many blessings by people in Kashmir, especially ladies, whose lives have transformed. They are aware that their sons would not wander at this point,” he said.
Since 2019, fewer terror attacks have occurred, the government has informed Parliament on multiple occasions.
“Schools are not burnt now, they are decorated. A lot of infrastructure is now being developed in health, education, industry and other sectors,” he added.
Modi said the Center is committed to rebuilding the country. Even if I fulfill my promise to end the long suffering of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, believe me, I will free J&K from the problems that have plagued it for the last 60 years,” Modi said. He said his work so far has been just a trailer.
“Modi is thinking ahead. What has happened so far has only been a trailer. I must take up the task of creating a new and wonderful image of a new Jammu and Kashmir,” he asserted.
Keeping calm, the congress manifesto promised to restore J&K’s statehood if it comes to power at the Centre. Farooq Abdullah-led NC and Mehbooba Mufti’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have also demanded the return of Article 370. Modi is also targeting NC and PDP.
“Congress, National Conference, PDP and all other parties want take back Jammu and Kashmir back to those old days.
No one has done as much damage to J&K as these family ruled parties have done. Here are festive tools for the family, by the family and for the family. They are trying to spread false stories about Article 370. These people must ask J&K women how the removal of Article 370 stopped their discrimination. Like Valmiks, Gurkhas, refugees, Pahars, Padrias, Gadda Brahmins got benefits after removal of Article 370,” Modi said.
He highlighted the extensive development of J&K.
“Now AIIMS, IITs and IIMs are being built here. Modern tunnels, modern broad roads and wonderful train journeys are now becoming the destiny of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. citing tourists and a record number of pilgrims.
Udhampur, where Union Minister Jitendra Singh is seeking a third term, will go to polls on April 19.The constituency is in a three-way battle with the Congress electing Choudhary Lal. Singh and the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) three times. MLA to GM Saroor.
