By: Aditya Ahuja
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched development projects worth a whopping 32,000 cr in Jammu, while taking a strong stance against dynastic politics, which he claimed has hindered the region’s progress for decades
Amid heightened security arrangements, PM Modi was received at the Jammu technical airport by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Union minister Jitendra Singh and prominent BJP leaders including J-K unit President Ravinder Raina.
Development Projects
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched multiple development projects, including for education, railway, aviation and road sectors, in Jammu and Kashmir worth over Rs 32,000 crore.
From Jammu, the PM also laid the foundation stone of projects worth Rs 13,500 crore across the country.
These projects include Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and central universities.
Among the railway projects that PM Modi inaugurated are the railway line between Banihal-Khari-Sumber- Sangaldan (48 km) and the newly electrified Baramulla- Srinagar-Banihal-Sangaldan section (185.66 km).
He flagged off the first electric train in the Valley and the train service between Sangaldan and Baramulla stations.
The commissioning of the Banihal-Khari-Sumber- Sangaldan section is significant as it features the usage of ballast less track (BLT) all along the route providing a better ride experience to passengers.
Dynastic Politics
Addressing a mass gathering, PM Modi criticized political parties engaged in dynastic politics, asserting that Jammu and Kashmir had borne the brunt of such practices for decades.
“Jammu and Kashmir had to bear the brunt of dynastic politics for decades. They are only concerned about their families, not about your interests, your families and youths of the region have suffered due to this mostly,” he said, adding, “I am happy that Jammu and Kashmir is getting freedom from this dynastic politics.
Article 370 Abrogation and Development
Asserting that the Article 370 which was scrapped in 2019 was the biggest ‘roadblock’ in the development of Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime MinisteMinister said that the UT is moving towards an overall development now.
“Article 370 was the biggest roadblock in the development of Jammu and Kashmir. However, the BJP government has abrogated it. Jammu and Kashmir is moving towards an overall development now. It is because of the abrogation of Article 370, I have urged the people to help BJP win 370 seats and NDA win 400 seats in (2024 Lok Sabha) elections, said.
“I have full faith in you and we will make ‘Viksit Jammu and Kashmir.’ Your dreams of 70 years will be fulfilled by Modi in the coming years. Earlier, only disappointing news of bombs, kidnappings and separation used to come from Jammu and Kashmir, but now Jammu and Kashmir is developing and moving forward…” the PM added.
Highlighting positive changes, PM Modi stated, “Earlier, only disappointing news of bombs, kidnappings, and separation used to come from Jammu and Kashmir, but now Jammu and Kashmir is developing and moving forward.”
This marks PM Modi’s second visit to Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which is crucial in the lead-up to the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Appointment Letters
PM Modi distributed appointment letters to about 1,500 newly recruited government employees of Jammu and Kashmir and also interacted with the beneficiaries of various schemes as part of the ‘Viksit Bharat, Viksit Jammu’ programme.
Large crowds from across Jammu and Kashmir gathered at the Maulana Azad Stadium for the event, which was also broadcasted in 285 blocks through LED screens.