Jammu: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, while addressing a massive rally at M.A. Stadium in Jammu, recalled the 2016 surgical strikes, stating that they have sent a strong message to the “mentors of terrorism.” The strikes, conducted deep inside Pakistan on September 28, 2016, in response to the Uri terror attack, demonstrated India’s ability to strike within enemy territory, marking a significant shift in the country’s counter-terrorism strategy.
“The enemy (Pakistan) knows that if they do any mischief in our country, they will be hit inside their own territory,” the Prime Minister reiterated. He emphasized that the surgical strikes had taught the biggest lessons to those who sponsor and support terrorism, affirming that India will act decisively in defense of its sovereignty.
Modi took the opportunity to criticize the Congress Party, accusing it of questioning the military’s actions by seeking proof of the surgical strikes. He also criticized Congress for failing to provide adequate resources to the country’s defense forces, contrasting this with the BJP’s implementation of the One Rank One Pension scheme, benefiting defense personnel and their families.
In his address, the Prime Minister underscored the deep patriotic connection he feels with Jammu and paid tribute to regional leaders like Maharaja Hari Singh, Mehr Chand Mahajan, and Pandit Premnath Dogra. Modi also saluted the martyrdom of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, whose birth anniversary coincided with the day of the rally.
### Rally Ahead of J&K Elections
PM Modi’s rally comes ahead of the final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, with voting scheduled for October 1 and results to be announced on October 8. Modi expressed confidence that the BJP would secure a majority government in the region, marking the first time Jammu would have a government of the people’s choice.
“The people of Jammu are tired of the rule of three families—NC, PDP, and Congress—who have allowed rampant corruption. The people want peace and a better future for their children, and they are voting for the BJP,” he said, citing large voter turnout in the previous two phases as evidence of growing support for the party.
Modi further addressed historical grievances of the Jammu region, accusing Congress, NC, and PDP of marginalizing certain communities and depriving them of their rights. He highlighted that the BJP has provided voting rights to refugees from PoK, as well as the Valmiki and Gorkha communities, which he claimed were previously denied by former governments.
### Development and Infrastructure Commitments
The Prime Minister also laid out his vision for the development of Jammu and Kashmir, citing infrastructure projects such as the Jammu Ring Road, AIIMS, and improvements to the airport and railway station. He announced new initiatives, including a ropeway project from Bahu Fort to Mahamaya Temple and tourism development in areas like Surinsar Lake and Gharana wetland.
Modi assured the business community that the region is poised for economic growth, with new industries expected to provide local employment opportunities. He also touted the success of the Golden Card scheme, which has provided free healthcare to thousands of families.
Reiterating his promise to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Modi assured the public that the BJP is committed to eliminating corruption and ensuring equal opportunities for all communities in the region. The rally ended with Modi raising the hands of BJP candidates contesting in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, and Udhampur districts, urging voters to elect them in the final phase of the elections on October 1.
