What promises did Modi make during his speech in Doda
Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off his campaign for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections on Saturday by addressing a rally in Doda district. During his address to the residents of Doda, which was the first by an Indian PM in 42 years, he made a string of promises while highlighting the work done by his Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in the Union Territory.
PM Modi questions Congress party's intentions
He announced increased benefits for the residents of Jammu and Kashmir, stating that every family in the state is eligible for free treatment up to ₹5 lakh. He added that the BJP has pledged to raise this amount to ₹7 lakh for every poor family. Additionally, he revealed plans to deposit ₹18,000 annually into the bank account of each family's eldest woman and increase farmers' aid under PM Samman Nidhi from ₹6,000 to ₹10,000.
PM Modi highlights BJP's development initiatives in J&K
The prime minister also said that the central government will soon connect the remote parts of J&K by rail. He promised that residents of Ramban district, Doda Kishtwar, and Kashmir Valley would be able to reach Delhi directly by train. "The station is ready and the trial has started. Very soon, this part will also be connected to the whole country...It is our resolve to provide better education and better treatment to the poorest of the poor families," he said.
PM Modi announces increased benefits for J&K residents
Launching a scathing attack on opposition parties in Jammu and Kashmir, PM Modi accused them of running "nafrat ki dukaan" (shops of hate) while pretending to operate "mohabbat ki dukaan" (shops of love). He warned that if the poll promises of these parties were implemented, it could lead to a return to violent times when schools were set ablaze and stone-pelting was commonplace.
PM Modi warns against reinstating Article 370
PM Modi also expressed concern over the opposition's desire to restore Article 370, claiming it would lead to Pahadis losing their reservation rights. He stated, "Congress, PDP and NC want to restore Article 370. That would mean the three families will once again snatch the reservation of the Pahadis." He criticized the opposition for carrying the Constitution in their pockets, suggesting they were doing so to conceal their "misdeeds." On J&K's statehood, he said only the BJP can reinforce it.
