Prime Minister Modi outlines BJP's vision for Jammu and Kashmir at campaign rally in Doda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Saturday (September 14) that the BJP would work for the restoration of statehood of Jammu and Kashmir.

At an election rally in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Modi also sharply attacked the opposition, blaming them for the disastrous situation Jammu and Kashmir has been in for decades.

“This year, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will be between three dynasties and the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. The three dynasties of Congress, National Conference and PDP will compete against the aspiring youth of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

“These three dynasties are responsible for the dire state Jammu and Kashmir was in for decades. They indulged in corruption and made people struggle for their basic needs. These families laid the foundation for terrorism and extremism in the valley. They provided a safe haven for the spread of terrorism for personal gain,” said Prime Minister Modi.

Prime Minister Modi said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir, irrespective of their religion, region and cultural affiliation, are the priority of the BJP government.

“I guarantee to protect your rights. The BJP government will also be the one to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

He said the BJP would make Jammu and Kashmir a terror-free and tourist-friendly country.

Remembering Kashmiri Pandit Tikalal Taplu, who was killed by terrorists three decades ago, Prime Minister Modi said his killing was followed by an endless series of atrocities against Kashmiri Pandits.

He said that it was the BJP that raised the voice of Kashmiri Pandits and advocated for their interest.

He said that the Jammu and Kashmir BJP had announced the ‘Tika Lal Taplu’ programme for the return and rehabilitation of Hindus in Kashmir.

This will speed up the process of securing the rights of Kashmiri Hindus, he added.

In a sharp attack on the opposition, Prime Minister Modi accused it of manipulating the Constitution for its own political gain. He also highlighted the BJP's efforts to restore the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

“Today they carry the Constitution in their pockets and use it as a facade to cover up their dark deeds. The truth is that every child in Jammu and Kashmir knows what is really going on,” he said, apparently referring to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

“What was the reason for having two constitutions in our Jammu and Kashmir? Why were the people here denied the same rights as the rest of the country? What was the reason for denying reservations to our Pahari brothers and sisters for so many years?” asked Prime Minister Modi.

“In Jammu and Kashmir [Opposition] “SC/ST and OBC were not even mentioned,” said Prime Minister Modi.

“Thanks to the measures taken by our government, many people in Jammu and Kashmir have been granted the right to vote for the first time,” the Prime Minister added.

“The Indian Constitution gives everyone the right to vote. But for 75 years, those who claimed to uphold the Constitution have taken away that right from some of you,” Modi said.

He urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to vote for the BJP on September 18, the date of the first phase of elections in the Union Territory, so that the party can bring peace, prosperity and security to Jammu and Kashmir.

“The BJP's determination, combined with your support, will create a peaceful, secure and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir. Therefore, you must send all BJP candidates to the Assembly with a strong majority on September 18,” he said.

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