PM Modi Pledges Statehood for Jammu and Kashmir Amidst Election Campaign
Udhampur, 12th April 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi took aim at the opposition, without naming specific individuals, during an election rally in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir. Modi criticized Rahul Gandhi and the Lalu family for allegedly sharing videos of non-vegetarian meals prepared during religious festivals, insinuating a lack of respect for cultural sensitivities.
In his address, Modi emphasized that while individuals have the freedom to consume any food of their choice, releasing videos of non-vegetarian dishes during religious occasions could be perceived as disrespectful. He accused certain political figures of attempting to incite sentiments with a “Mughal mentality.”
Modi further underscored the BJP’s commitment to ensuring the development of Jammu and Kashmir, contrasting it with the purported regressive agendas of the PDP-Congress alliance. He asserted that the region has undergone significant transformation over the past decade, with improvements in infrastructure, public services, and security measures.
The Prime Minister expressed optimism about the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, noting the absence of issues such as terrorism and separatism. He assured the residents of the region that their voices would be heard through elected representatives, heralding a new era of democratic governance.
Addressing the contentious issue of the Ram temple, Modi refuted claims that it was merely an election gimmick for the BJP, asserting that the struggle for the temple predates the party itself. He highlighted the centuries-old history of the Ram temple movement, emphasizing its cultural and historical significance.
In the political arena, Union Minister Jitendra Singh is contesting elections from Udhampur, aiming to retain his seat since 2014. Singh faces competition from Congress candidate Chaudhary Lal Singh, who recently rejoined the party after six years. Lal Singh’s candidacy has received support from the People’s Democratic Party, a partner of the India Bloc.
The upcoming elections in Udhampur, scheduled for April 19, are poised to be a closely watched affair, with both the BJP and Congress vying for electoral dominance in the region. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP secured three out of six seats in Jammu and Kashmir, while the National Conference clinched the remaining three seats.
