Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, as promised in Parliament. He praised the active participation of citizens in the recent Srinagar Parliamentary elections and highlighted the significant voter turnout as a sign of the region’s stability. PM Modi defended tough decisions like temporary internet shutdowns as necessary for ensuring safety, particularly for the youth. He criticized opposition parties for their perceived reluctance to discuss Kashmir and denounced past security lapses contributing to militancy. In an interview, PM Modi assured that Jammu and Kashmir will get back its Statehood, as promised in Parliament. He praised the lively atmosphere during the Srinagar Parliamentary polls, where people sang, clapped, and celebrated democracy with tea. He also mentioned tough decisions like cutting internet in Kashmir to save lives, aiming to keep youth away from harm. Despite criticism, he emphasized the need for safety above all. The wheat will grow when it’s time,” he mentioned, referring to tough choices like cutting off internet in Kashmir to save lives. “We got criticized for it, but it kept young people safe from bad influences,” he added. Modi noted that from 2004 to 2014, many mothers lost their sons, but from 2014 to 2024, many sons were saved. Talking about a rally he held in Kashmir in March, Modi said it was the first of its kind in 40 years. He praised the 36 percent voting turnout in Srinagar, calling it a big success for the ongoing elections. He emphasized that everyone, regardless of religion, was treated fairly under the government’s policies. “Srinagar felt like a big celebration, with people singing, clapping, and enjoying tea, celebrating democracy,” Modi said.
“Highlighting the absence of hartals (shutdowns) during the election, Modi has lauded the courage of voters who defied threats and fear to cast their ballots. He has interpreted the overwhelming participation as a rejection of Article 370 and divisive politics, asserting that the people’s fervor for democracy in Srinagar signifies their rejection of attempts to resurrect Article 370 and engage in vote bank politics. Modi has also pointed out that Kashmir has been a key issue in elections for decades, but now the Opposition seems to avoid discussing it. He has hinted that they might secretly want to restore Article 370. He criticized past security lapses, where militants were pardoned and even given political shelter, leading to a rise in militancy nationwide.”
Speaking at a massive rally in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Modi highlighted the significance of the fourth phase of polling in Srinagar on May 13. He commended the enthusiastic participation of voters, breaking voting records from the past three decades, as they embraced the spirit of democracy and supported their government. The Prime Minister noted the remarkable 36 percent voter turnout in the Srinagar Parliamentary constituency, the highest since 1996. He underscored that this election marked a significant milestone post the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and its division into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on August 5, 2019, by the BJP-led government. Modi emphasized the sense of security brought to families previously anxious about their loved ones stationed in Jammu and Kashmir amidst incidents of violence. He credited the guarantee of peace in the region to the removal of Article 370. This election witnessed unprecedented participation without any shutdown calls, contrasting with previous elections marred by protests and threats from militants. Highlighting the absence of hartals (shutdowns) during the election, Modi lauded the courage of voters who defied threats and fear to cast their ballots. He interpreted the overwhelming participation as a rejection of Article 370 and divisive politics, asserting that the people’s fervor for democracy in Srinagar signifies their rejection of attempts to resurrect Article 370 and engage in vote bank politics. Modi pointed out that Kashmir has been a key issue in elections for decades, but now the Opposition seems to avoid discussing it. He hinted that they may secretly want to restore Article 370. He criticized past security lapses, where militants were pardoned and even given political shelter, leading to a rise in militancy nationwide. He specifically targeted Congress and other parties for this approach. Modi also took a dig at leaders of INDIA bloc, accusing them of undermining the bravery of the Army. He questioned their motives, highlighting their promises to reintroduce Article 370 and scrap the CAA law. He described how Azamgarh, once associated with militancy and blasts, has undergone significant changes over the past decade.
“Shah’s presence in the Valley underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a tranquil electoral atmosphere, free from the shadows of political maneuvering. His interactions not only aimed at boosting organizational matters within the BJP but also sought to foster a sense of inclusivity by engaging with representatives from diverse communities.”
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah concluded his brief visit to the Kashmir Valley on Friday, during which he met with various delegations, including representatives from the BJP and local Sikh communities, according to officials. Shah, who arrived in the valley on Thursday evening, departed for New Delhi on Friday morning. Although Shah’s visit amidst the Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir sparked speculation about possible meetings with Kashmiri political leaders, there was no official confirmation of his engagements before he left the valley. While voting in Baramulla is scheduled for May 20, polling for the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency has been rescheduled for May 25 due to adverse weather conditions, after its initial date of May 7. Sunil Sharma, the BJP’s General Secretary for Jammu and Kashmir told Kashmir Horizon that the Home Minister’s visit to Kashmir wasn’t driven by political motives. “I believe the Home Minister’s visit is focused on reviewing security measures to boost voter turnout and ensure a peaceful environment. There’s no political agenda, but BJP workers will discuss organizational matters with him,” Sharma stated. Upon his arrival on Thursday, Shah engaged with various delegations, including BJP leaders from Jammu and Kashmir, as well as representatives from the Pahari and Sikh communities. Although local BJP leaders anticipated a security review meeting concerning the upcoming Amarnath Yatra following the Lok Sabha elections, no official confirmation was provided. The Jammu and Kashmir might witness assembly elections post the yatra, as the Supreme Court has set a deadline of September 30 for the Centre to conduct these polls.
Kashmir Horizon View: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, as promised in Parliament. He praised the active participation of citizens in the recent Srinagar Parliamentary elections and highlighted the significant voter turnout as a sign of the region’s stability. PM Modi defended tough decisions like temporary internet shutdowns as necessary for ensuring safety, particularly for the youth. He criticized opposition parties for their perceived reluctance to discuss Kashmir and denounced past security lapses contributing to militancy. Home Minister Amit Shah visited Kashmir to review security measures and bolster voter turnout for ongoing Lok Sabha elections, dismissing political speculations. He met with BJP leaders and representatives from local communities, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring peaceful elections and organizational matters in the region. Shah’s presence in the Valley underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a tranquil electoral atmosphere, free from the shadows of political maneuvering. His interactions not only aimed at boosting organizational matters within the BJP but also sought to foster a sense of inclusivity by engaging with representatives from diverse communities.
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