Viksit Jammu and Kashmir priority of Viksit Bharat, says Prime Minister Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that Jammu and Kashmir has been the worst sufferer of dynastic politics and corruption since 1947 but with the abrogation of Article 370, his government has ensured that the region is on the path to touch new heights of development.

The PM addressed a rally at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar where thousands of people, including government officials, participated. He also interacted with some entrepreneurs who were beneficiaries of various government schemes. Hundreds of people chanted pro-Modi slogans at the venue. J&K LG Manoj Sinha and Union minister Jitendra Singh were also present.

In view of the rally, Srinagar city centre and the areas around the venue were closed for traffic and public movement and all private institutions, including businesses and schools, remained shut. The administration had barricaded all major roads. Some roads and footpaths were dug up to erect barricades to scuttle the movement of any unauthorised persons or vehicles.


"Abrogation of Article 370 has led to youth's talent being respected and equal rights and equal opportunities being provided to everyone... I assure the people of J&K that this development campaign in J&K won't stop at any cost and will continue more rapidly in the next five years," Modi said. He inaugurated development projects worth ₹6,400 crore.

The PM asked: "Did Article 370 benefit the people of Jammu and Kashmir or a few political families?"

The PM said the development of the country and J&K has angered the dynasts and they have started launching personal attacks against him. "They are saying Modi has no family but the country is giving them a strong reply as everyone is saying 'I am Modi's family'," he said. The PM said: "140 crore citizens feel at peace when they see the smiling faces of the people of J&K... I am doing all this hard work to win your hearts and I believe that I am on the right path. I will continue my efforts to win your hearts. This is Modi's guarantee and all of you know that Modi's guarantee means the guarantee of fulfilment of guarantees." The PM said J&K is not just any other region but the face of India. "A head held high is a symbol of development and respect. Therefore, Viksit J&K is the priority of Viksit Bharat," the PM said.

Modi also extended his best wishes and peace and harmony to the entire nation ahead of the holy month of Ramzan. He wished everyone on Mahashivratri too.

The PM took a dig at the Congress and other regional parties, saying that the people of J&K are now aware of the truth that they were misled by a few families who had shackled J&K for their own benefit. The PM referred to J&K Bank, the second biggest employer of J&K, as being the worst sufferer and victim of the dynastic politics and corruption.

"The past governments didn't leave a chance to ruin this bank. The anti-corruption bureau is still probing illegal appointments here. But, in the past five years, we took many steps to save the bank from bankruptcy," he said.