New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a massive public rally in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir on September 14, marking the first visit by a Prime Minister to the region in 45 years. The last time a Prime Minister held a rally in Doda was in 1979, when Indira Gandhi addressed the people. With Jammu and Kashmir heading into assembly elections after a decade, the stakes are high as the region prepares for three-phase voting.A battle between dynasties and youthPrime Minister Modi used the platform to fiercely criticize the Indian National Congress (INC), National Conference (NC), and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing them of neglecting Jammu and Kashmirs welfare for decades. This election is not just a political contest, Modi declared. Its a choice between three political families and the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed that the upcoming elections would be decisive for the future of the region.Valley reeling with grip of PariwarwadPM Modi highlighted how nepotism, or pariwarwad, had hollowed out the region since Indias independence. Jammu and Kashmir has been a playground for foreign interference, and after that, nepotism took hold, he said. He accused the regions political families of prioritizing their own interests over the well-being of the youth, leading to terrorism and unrest. The political parties you trusted cared only about their own children, while your children suffered due to terrorism, he added.इस बार का चुनाव, जम्मू-कश्मीर का भाग्य तय करने वाला है।आजादी के बाद से ही हमारा प्यारा जम्मू-कश्मीर विदेशी ताकतों के निशाने पर आ गया।इसके बाद इस खूबसूरत राज्य को परिवारवाद ने खोखला करना शुरू कर दिया।यहां जिन राजनीतिक दलों पर आपने भरोसा किया, उन्होंने आपके बच्चों की चिंता… pic.twitter.com/g4enCN1geM— BJP (@BJP4India) September 14, 2024Neglect of local governanceIn a scathing attack on these political dynasties, Modi pointed out the lack of local governance and the failure to conduct panchayat elections since 2000. New leaders have not been allowed to emerge because of this nepotism, he said. He further praised his governments efforts to empower local governance through the panchayat, Block Development Council (BDC), and District Development Council (DDC) elections held since 2018, ensuring that democracy reaches the grassroots level.Attacks Congress, NC, PDPPM Modi did not hold back in his criticism of Congress, NC, and PDP, calling their actions no less than a sin. He accused these parties of failing to care for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and said his government was committed to ushering in new leadership in the region. Since 2014, I have worked to give youth leadership opportunities that nepotism denied them, Modi remarked.Decline of terrorismRecalling the regions dark days of violence and unrest, Modi spoke about the progress made under his government. There was a time when an undeclared curfew would begin at sunset. Even Congress Home Minister was afraid to visit Lal Chowk in Srinagar, he said. Today, terrorism is taking its last breath in Jammu and Kashmir.He also addressed the struggles faced by the regions youth, emphasizing that they no longer need to leave for other states to seek quality education. Whether its medical colleges, AIIMS, or IITs, Jammu and Kashmir now has more educational opportunities than ever before, Modi said.Pandit Premnath Dogra Rozgar YojanaOne of the most significant announcements at the rally was the unveiling of the Pandit Premnath Dogra Rozgar Yojana, a major employment initiative by the BJP. Modi promised that if the BJP forms the government, this scheme would create millions of jobs in Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, he announced travel allowances for college students to support their education.Vision for a terror-free, tourism-driven J&KPM Modis broader vision for the region was centered around a future free from terrorism and filled with tourism potential. We will create a Jammu and Kashmir that is free from terror and a paradise for tourists, he vowed. Modi also emphasized the ongoing efforts to strengthen infrastructure and connectivity in the region, aiming to boost tourism and improve mobility for residents.Tight security at historic rallyThe Doda rally took place under tight security, as the region has been historically affected by terrorism. Drones monitored the venue, and surrounding areas were sealed off as security was heightened. Modis visit marks a pivotal moment as Jammu and Kashmir prepares for a crucial election that will shape its future.
