SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a public rally in support of BJP candidates at the Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium Srinagar on Thursday, ahead of the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Modi began his speech by expressing pride in the large voter turnout during the first phase of the elections.
Modi said the BJP will fulfil its promise of restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
“I can see today Kashmiri brothers are saying ‘Khushaamdeed PM’ (welcome PM), I also thank them from bottom of my heart,” PM Modi said.
“People of Jammu and Kashmir created history by voting in large numbers during the first phase of assembly elections in UT.” He highlighted impressive turnout figures: 80 percent in Kishtwar, 71 percent in Doda, 71 percent in Ramban, and 62 percent in Kulgam, applauding youth, women, and the elderly for voting wholeheartedly.
Modi praised the people for setting new records compared to past elections, and said that this was a testament to their new aspirations. “The world is watching how the people of Jammu and Kashmir are strengthening the constitution,” he said. He congratulated them on this historic achievement, emphasising that it marks a new chapter in the region’s history.
Modi criticised the three main political dynasties in Jammu and Kashmir — the NC, PDP, and Congress — without naming them directly, accusing them of thinking they could not be questioned. “These three families think they can loot the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Keeping people away from their rights has always been their agenda. They have given JK people fear only,” he said.
He accused these parties of burning schools and shutting down educational institutions to keep the youth away from education. “Schools that were burnt in Kashmir were part of hatred by these political parties. They did not establish any institutions. These parties, for their own benefit, destroyed the youth of Jammu and Kashmir,” Modi said, asserting that these political families gave stones in the hands of youth instead of books.
The Prime Minister outlined his government’s efforts to rebuild the education sector, adding that schools and colleges are now functioning normally. He pointed out that in the last five years, 50,000 school dropouts had been readmitted, 15,000 schools had opened pre-primary classes with 1.5 lakh students, and 250 schools were upgraded. Additionally, 1,100 new medical seats were added, alongside 1,500 nursing seats and over 1,600 paramedical seats.
Modi underscored his commitment to keeping Jammu and Kashmir free of militancy. “Keeping Jammu and Kashmir out of terrorism is the promise of PM Modi. Won’t let the new generation be destroyed by the hand of these three political parties.” “The youth now hold books, not stones, and that the region now sees news of new colleges, medical schools, and other institutions instead of school burnings.”
Modi spoke about the youth’s newfound confidence in democracy, pointing out how election campaigning now goes on late into the night, with people no longer afraid to participate. “So much has changed in Kashmir as door-to-door campaigning is held till midnight. People now believe that the vote can be a strong democracy in Kashmir,” he said.
“A new history has been written by people of Jammu and Kashmir, this shows that aspirations of people have touched new heights. Festival of democracy is going on in Jammu and Kashmir, for the first time voting took place without shadow of terror,” PM said.
He said that Kashmir Experienced 3,000 Days of Shutdowns Over 35 Years, But No Shutdowns in Last 5 Years. “Kashmir was effectively shut for eight years out of the past 35 due to hartals and bandhs, whereas there has been no shutdown for even eight hours in the last five years.”
Modi also referred to BJP candidate Er Aijaz Hassan from Lal Chowk, who he claimed was challenging the dynasts, further adding that the three families were clearly scared of democracy. He mentioned the changed atmosphere in Srinagar, where Eid and Diwali are celebrated equally, and Muharram processions have resumed after three decades. Modi highlighted the flourishing markets, late-night activities, and the region’s renewed sense of peace.
He said that the BJP government worked for the poor, farmers, youth, and women, with promises of increased support, including direct financial assistance and improved healthcare access.
He also blamed the three parties for “injustices” done to the minorities, including Kashmiri Pandits and Sikhs, in the valley.
“Kashmiri Pandits have played a great role in communal harmony and Kashmiriyat. But, three families have ruined them, and injustices have been done to Sikhs. They have been partners in all the excesses committed on them,” he said.
Modi also paid tribute to Mohammad Shafi Pandit, the first IAS officer from Kashmir who passed away on Thursday, noting his continued service to the people even after retirement.
Concluding his speech, Modi reiterated his promise to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, saying it was a commitment only the BJP would fulfil. He appealed to the public to break all previous voting records in the upcoming elections, asking them to support the BJP for continued peace, development, and democracy in the region.
“I appeal to you to break all voting records on September 25 (second phase of J-K polls).”