Dr Jasrotia hits back at Tarigami, says J&K developed under PM Modi’s leadership

Srinagar, Nov 08: Dr Abhijeet Jasrotia, spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Jammu and Kashmir, on Friday countered the criticism from MLA Kulgam, Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami, saying those questioning the region’s development should first provide their own record cards covering the past five decades.
Dr Jasrotia in a statement issued here said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have experienced unparalleled growth, prosperity and stability.
He said J&K made various achievements since the formation of the Modi government, particularly in recent years. “There has been a transformative shift across various sectors, including economic growth and infrastructure development, which have set new benchmarks in governance, inclusivity and prosperity,” he said.
“Under the Modi government, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed unprecedented development in every sphere. The people have benefitted from transformative reforms and infrastructural improvements. If Mr Tarigami questions this progress, I suggest he share the report card from the six decades of his alliance, which has failed to deliver such monumental advancements,” the BJP spokesperson said.
Dr Jasrotia added, “There has been a significant growth in J&K’s GDP, which increased from Rs 1.17 lakh crore in 2017 to Rs 2.63 lakh crore in 2023-24. The banking sector, previously plagued by losses, has seen a financial turnaround, now recording profits in the thousands of crores. The Modi government has successfully completed over 2.5 lakh projects, connecting 2,140 villages, with plans to connect an additional 2,130 villages soon. Major infrastructure initiatives, including the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra highway, two ring roads and 21 tunnels, have enhanced connectivity in the region. These undertakings, alongside expanded airport infrastructure, are positioning J&K as a burgeoning hub for tourism and trade.”
Under the Har Ghar Jal initiative, 1.5 million households in rural areas now have access to clean drinking water, he said, adding, “In healthcare, the establishment of two state cancer institutes, two bone and joint hospitals, a 500-bed children’s hospital and seven new medical colleges have strengthened healthcare access. Over 3,000 health and wellness centers have been set up across the region to improve rural healthcare services.”
Dr Abhijeet mentioned the establishment of prestigious educational institutions such as IIM Jammu, IIT Jammu, AIIMS and a central university, along with 51 new degree colleges that have modernised education standards and provided ample opportunities for the youth.
On the social welfare front, over 90,000 self-help groups have been formed, benefiting more than 750,000 women.
The BJP spokesperson said Jammu and Kashmir has gained international recognition through events such as the Miss World pre-event and Formula 4 car racing, which have successfully placing the region on the global tourism map.
“If Tarigami continues to critique the progress in Jammu and Kashmir, he should also account for the developmental record of his own constituency, which has been neglected for decades,” he said.
Quoting Abraham Lincoln, Dr Jasrotia said, “You cannot fool all the people all the time.”
“Mr Tarigami needs to address the apathy of the last six decades,” he added.