Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized opposition parties for practicing dynasty politics during a public rally in Udhampur, asserting that family-run parties have inflicted considerable harm on Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that these political entities have come to symbolize governance “of the family, by the family, for the family.”
Addressing the rally, PM Modi pledged to ensure the development of Jammu and Kashmir for a prosperous India. However, he accused Congress, National Conference, and PDP of attempting to regress the region to its former state. He particularly condemned Congress for stalling the Shahpurkandi Dam project for years, alleging that it resulted in depriving Jammu’s farmers of water and electricity.
PM Modi recalled his 2014 visit to Udhampur, where he promised to alleviate the longstanding sufferings of the people in Jammu and Kashmir. He asserted that with the support of the people, he has fulfilled that promise.
The rally witnessed a significant turnout, with people expressing their support for PM Modi and the BJP in Udhampur. The BJP has nominated Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who has represented the constituency since 2014, while the Congress has fielded Choudhary Lal Singh, who was recently reinstated into the party after six years. The Peoples Democratic Party, a partner in the INDIA bloc, has extended support to Lal Singh.
Udhampur is scheduled to vote in the first phase on April 19. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP secured three out of six seats in Jammu and Kashmir, while the National Conference won the remaining three seats.