UDHAMPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whereas addressing a public rally in Udhampur on Thursday, made a big announcement reiterating the central authorities’s dedication to reinstating statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister additionally assured the gathering of imminent meeting elections in J&Okay, stating, “The time will not be far when meeting elections can be held in Jammu and Kashmir additionally. Jammu and Kashmir will get again its state standing. It is possible for you to to share your goals along with your MLAs, and your ministers.”
Highlighting the progress made within the area, PM Modi emphasised that latest elections in Jammu and Kashmir occurred with out the looming spectre of terrorism and cross-border firing. He expressed optimism concerning the developmental trajectory, asserting, “Vikas bhi ho raha hai, vishvaas bhi badh raha hai” (there’s progress and confidence).
Omar Abdullah Reacts Sharply
Nonetheless, the Prime Minister’s announcement prompted a pointy response from Nationwide Convention chief Omar Abdullah. Abdullah identified that the Supreme Court docket had mandated the elections to be carried out earlier than September 30, underscoring that it was now a compulsion for the Centre to stick to the timeline set by the judiciary. Addressing reporters, Abdullah remarked, “It’s the verdict of the Supreme Court docket. It will have been a favour for us if he (PM Modi) had carried out elections earlier than the decision of the SC. It’s now a compulsion for him. It’s the Supreme Court docket’s verdict to conduct elections in Jammu and Kashmir earlier than September 30.”
#WATCH | Former J&Okay CM and NC chief Omar Abdullah says “It’s the verdict of the Supreme Court docket. It will have been a favour for us if he (PM Modi) had carried out elections earlier than the decision of SC. It’s now a compulsion for him. It’s the Supreme Court docket’s verdict to conduct… https://t.co/iaKv51Gr3W pic.twitter.com/NzwUCozIu1
— ANI (@ANI) April 12, 2024
Background: Reorganization Of Jammu and Kashmir
The state of Jammu and Kashmir underwent vital reorganization in October 2019 when it was bifurcated into two Union Territories, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, following the abrogation of Article 370 of the Structure of India, which granted particular standing to the area.
Throughout his speech, PM Modi highlighted the transformative adjustments witnessed within the area, together with the development of instructional and healthcare infrastructure, modernization of transportation networks, and elevated tourism and pilgrimage exercise. PM Modi mentioned, “Now colleges usually are not burnt right here, however colleges are adorned. Now AIIMS, IITs and IIMs are being constructed right here. Now trendy tunnels, trendy huge roads, and fantastic rail journeys have gotten the future of Jammu and Kashmir.” “Be it Jammu or Kashmir, now vacationers and devotees have began coming right here in file numbers,” PM Modi mentioned.
Basic Elections In J&Okay And Improvement Agenda
With the approaching basic election, PM Modi emphasised the significance of forming a sturdy authorities able to addressing nationwide challenges. He outlined the federal government’s imaginative and prescient to propel Jammu and Kashmir in direction of unprecedented ranges of growth within the forthcoming years.
PM Modi mentioned, “Belief me, I had advised you to belief me and I’ll remedy the issues plaguing Jammu and Kashmir for the final 60 years. I had assured respect for the moms and sisters right here. I gave a assure that the poor wouldn’t have to fret about two meals a day. In the present day, lakhs of households in Jammu and Kashmir have the assure of free ration for the subsequent 5 years…”
Electoral Outlook In J&Okay
Because the political panorama heats up within the area, the BJP has fielded Union Minister Jitendra Singh from Udhampur, a constituency he has represented since 2014. The Congress, then again, has nominated Choudhary Lal Singh, who returns to the celebration’s fold after six years, following his controversial participation in a rally supporting the Kathua rape accused.
The upcoming elections in Udhampur, scheduled for April 19, will witness a fierce electoral battle between the BJP and different contenders, together with the Nationwide Convention and the Congress. Within the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP secured three out of six seats in Jammu and Kashmir, whereas the Nationwide Convention clinched the remaining three seats.