Fri Sep 20 05:09:30 UTC 2024: ## Modi Promises Statehood, Attacks Opposition During J&K Campaign Rallies

**Katra, Jammu & Kashmir:** Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a series of rallies across Jammu and Kashmir, reiterated his government’s commitment to restoring statehood and launched scathing attacks on the opposition Congress and National Conference (NC), accusing them of “inflicting wounds” on the region and promoting “Naxal ideology.”

During a rally in Katra, the base camp for Vaishno Devi pilgrims, Modi emphasized that the ongoing assembly elections are “linked to the future of Jammu and Kashmir,” urging voters to ensure the “sunset” of Congress, NC, and PDP politics. He accused the Congress leadership of insulting Hindu deities under a “well-thought-out conspiracy” and blamed their actions on a “Naxal mindset.”

Addressing another rally in Srinagar earlier in the day, Modi asserted that Article 370 and 35A are “gone forever” and no force can bring them back as long as the BJP is in power. He reassured the people that statehood would be restored to Jammu and Kashmir, a promise previously made in Parliament.

Modi also took aim at the NC and Congress for allegedly allowing India’s waters to flow across the border for decades and failing to construct dams for the benefit of Jammu and Kashmir’s farmers. He highlighted the Shahpur Kandi dam project, which was completed under the BJP government, and touted other development projects like the Chenab rail bridge, Vande Bharat Express to Katra, and various hydro-power projects.

The Prime Minister praised the BJP’s work in restoring peace and development in the region and promised a “white paper” on terrorism to provide justice to terror victims. He also promised special announcements in the BJP’s manifesto to ensure a better future for Kashmiri Hindus and Sikhs.

Modi’s rallies came a day after the first phase of polling in the Assembly election, which saw more than 61 percent voter turnout. The Prime Minister’s campaign is focused on highlighting the BJP’s development agenda and painting the opposition as incompetent and divisive.

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