PM Modi Speaks from Kashmir

It must be acknowledged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been able to set the narrative in Kashmir that addresses the developmental agenda for Jammu and Kashmir. He has been showing his deep interest in monitoring the situation in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir after the neutralisation of Article 370 and 35A.The credit goes to his leadership that his regime has been able to handle the situation after the reorganisation with success and situate this step in terms of comprehensive development by bringing the erstwhile princely state in the national mainstream. After addressing the rally to generate public opinion in favour of the BJP candidate in Doda, he has reached Srinagar to infuse a sense of confidence and conviction in the BJP cadres in Kashmir. He gave a clear message that he wants to develop Kashmir at a fast pace. In his direct message to the people in Kashmir he said, “It’s a festival of democracy. The first phase has ended and for the first time voting has taken place without any fear of terrorism. People have come out in large numbers including young and old.” The first phase of polling has witnessed an unprecedented response from the masses for choosing their representatives. The Prime Minister has acknowledged the voters in Kashmir for breaking the past records by saying, “You’ve scripted this history…………….. This shows aspirations of the people of J&K are at a new height. The world is witnessing how the people of J&K are strengthening the democracy of India.” The Prime Minister reiterated his stance regarding the Congress, NC and PDP which he articulated in Doda at Jammu. He said, “I had said three families are trying to divide J&K since they are frustrated. They want to take the chair and steal you all. They want to keep the people of J&K away from their rights and that has been their agenda…………….Our youth were away from studies outside the schools and colleges and these three families (Congress, NC and PDP) were happy by putting stones in their hands. These people have ruined the future of our children for their own benefit.” His thrust was on the future of the youth and their employment opportunities. He reiterated his sincerity to restore peace in Jammu and Kashmir by saying, “Providing employment opportunities to the youth here, this is Modi’s intention, Modi’s promise. I will not let another generation of ours be destroyed at the hands of these three families. That’s why I am sincerely working towards restoring peace here. Today, schools and colleges are running smoothly throughout Jammu and Kashmir. Children have pens, books and laptops in their hands.” He underlined that the sense of security has reached the new level and this has infused a sense of peace in the valley with jubilant celebration of Eid and Diwali festivals. The situation has changed drastically from the times when unfurling the tricolour at Lal Chowk in the heart of the Srinagar city was about risking lives. Accusing the “three families” for making the Kashmiri Pandits to suffer he said that his party and regime is working for erasing the “Dil ki aur Delhi ke duri” (erasing the distance between hearts and the Delhi).He justified it with extension of railway line meant to connect Delhi and Kashmir, organising of G20 events, care race and Yoga Day in Kashmir. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unfolded the vision of his party and the advances made by his regime to mainstream Jammu and Kashmir. In contemporary times he is the only leader whose message has found reception in Jammu and Kashmir. BJP may not have been able to create a comprehensive grip on the political turf of Kashmir but one thing is clear that the Prime Minister is being looked upon with great hope by the conflict ridden people in Kashmir who have the strength to take people out of turbulence. Now it has to be seen as to what will be the response of the masses to his message in Kashmir? Will the people make votes swing in favour of the BJP in Kashmir? Will the traditional bastions of NC be breached by the BJP? Will the BJP be able to pose a challenge to the PDP that was once its coalition partner? And the most pertinent question that comes to mind is what will be the impact of the independent candidates who are contesting the elections on the plank of opposition to mainstreaming Jammu and Kashmir? All opinion makers have kept their fingers crossed.