Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivered a spirited address at an election rally in Kathua district of Jammu on Monday, spotlighting India’s robust military capabilities and the strides made under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Singh reaffirmed India’s capacity to retaliate against adversaries both domestically and across the Line of Control (LoC), accentuating the nation’s stature as a global force. He cited the successful surgical strike conducted on September 28 as a testament to India’s strength and resolve.
Seeking endorsement for the BJP’s candidate for the Udhampur parliamentary seat, Dr Jitendera Singh, Rajnath Singh lauded PM Modi’s transformative leadership, asserting that India is scaling unprecedented heights under his stewardship. He underscored the international acknowledgment of India’s unparalleled military prowess.
In his speech, Singh criticized regional parties in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging their exploitation of Article 370 for personal political gain. He questioned the actions of leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi in Kashmir, insinuating that their activities would have been curtailed if Article 370 were still in force.
Singh took a swipe at PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti’s forecasts of bloodshed following the abrogation of Article 370, stating that instead of bloodshed, prosperity and development are now thriving in Jammu and Kashmir.
Furthering his criticism of Mehbooba Mufti, Singh pointed to the widespread display of the national flag in the region, contrary to her predictions of its disappearance.
The Defence Minister also commended PM Modi’s initiatives outlined in the BJP’s manifesto, including free healthcare for citizens above 70 years irrespective of income, underscoring Modi’s exceptional leadership qualities.
Rajnath Singh urged voters to throw their support behind Dr Jitendera Singh in the upcoming elections and emphasized the BJP’s dedication to women’s rights, highlighting the abolition of instant triple talaq as a pivotal step towards ensuring women’s safety and equality.
The rally in Kathua reflects the escalating political discourse in the region as parties intensify their campaigns ahead of the Udhampur Lok Sabha polls scheduled for April 19.
Rajnath Singh’s remarks underscore the BJP’s strategy of prioritizing national security and development as key electoral themes.
