Prime Minister Narendra Modi started the BJP campaign in Jammu and Kashmir by launching a harsh attack on three prominent political dynasties, the Congress, National Conference (NC), and People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Modi accused these parties have destroying the state for decades merely to suit their interests while only worsening corruption, separatism, and terrorism. In a rally speech at Doda, Modi promised to bring statehood to the valley of Jammu and Kashmir if a BJP government came into place.

He attacked the three dynasties, that is, Congress led by the Nehru-Gandhies, NC led by the Abdullahs, and PDP led by the Muftis. According to him, these families were the reason behind all the troubles in the state, especially before the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. Article 370 which granted special status to the Jammu and Kashmir state did not permit most citizens to be beneficiaries of reservations and welfare schemes.

Criticism Of Dynastic Politics
Modi referred to the impending assembly elections as a struggle between three political families and the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that these families have ruined the state by mismanaging it and corruption for decades. Modi also stated that the three parties have promoted terrorism and secessionism merely to further their influence.

“The three families have ruined J&K. They have made it impossible for the average Joe, who could get government jobs just because he had some connection with one of them and encouraged corruption and land grabbing,” he said. He added that dynastic rule had choked new talent and arrested development in the state.

Full Statehood And Development
Modi reassured electorates that the BJP has a full-fledged policy to restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir to full status. The prime minister said that the BJP will ensure that the state would completely be free from terror and become India’s number one tourist destination. Modi promised much-needed infrastructure development, including a direct train from Delhi to Srinagar, besides opening new hotels and restaurants to be introduced into the valley to promote tourism.

“We’ll make J&K a paradise for tourists and a film destination for the world,” declared Modi. He also outlined a new film policy, aimed at improving movie production in the region.

Reaction To Congress And PDP Manifestos
The prime minister also critiqued the election manifestos of the Congress, NC, and PDP, stating that they wanted to take Jammu and Kashmir back to its troubled past. He said these parties would reinstate Article 370, reverse reservations for Paharis, Gujjars, and Bakerwals, and strip voting rights from Valmikis and Dalits in the union territory.

“They want to take the state back into an era of conflict and division. They are talking about rolling back the progress we have made. Their manifesto is nothing but a desire to return to old habits that harmed the state’s development and stability,” Modi said.

For The Youths
During his rally, he stated that this was a golden opportunity for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to formulate their future. He cited how the stones earlier used for any kind of violence are now useful for building purposes and other development activities. He added that this should not deter the youth from continuing their good jobs and being productive towards state progress.

“The stones that were once being used to pelt security forces are now being used to build a new Jammu and Kashmir,” Modi declared. He promised that, under the rule of the BJP, it would witness a great improvement, and problems caused by the three political families to be adequately addressed.