In a momentous event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a historic visit to Jammu and Kashmir, marking his first official trip since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The anticipation leading up to the visit was heightened by the Bharatiya Janata Party's Jammu and Kashmir unit, which released several video posts capturing the palpable enthusiasm among the residents of the valley.
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Image - Preparations for PM Modi's visit in Jammu & Kashmir. Credit - Associated Press |
In a significant move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a historic visit to Jammu and Kashmir, marking his first presence in the region since the pivotal abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The Bharatiya Janata Party's Jammu and Kashmir unit set the stage by releasing a series of video posts, reflecting the palpable enthusiasm among the local populace leading up to the Prime Minister's arrival.
The visit carried particular weight as it preceded the anticipated Lok Sabha elections in 2024, intensifying political scrutiny. Opposition parties held expectations for a potential announcement regarding Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, especially since the Supreme Court had directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to conduct these polls by September 2024. The Union Territory had been without an elected government since June 19, 2018, further amplifying the political context.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir exhibited heightened excitement, with thousands converging at the Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, the chosen venue for PM Modi's rally. The region was strategically fortified in preparation for the visit, with Srinagar declared a 'Temporary Red Zone,' accompanied by a temporary ban on the flying of drones and quadcopters in the city.
During his first visit since August 2019, PM Modi inaugurated 43 schemes, including the Dekho Apna Desh People's Choice Tourist Destination Poll, the Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign, and the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme, aiming to train 2.5 lakh farmers. The agenda also encompassed initiatives under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes, collectively valued at over Rs 1,400 crore, aimed at enhancing the tourist and pilgrim experience.
Further announcements included initiatives worth nearly Rs 5,000 crore to invigorate the agro-economy in the Union Territory under the 'Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir' program. PM Modi distributed approximately 1,000 appointment letters to newly-recruited government employees, engaging with beneficiaries of central schemes that encompassed women achievers, farmers, and entrepreneurs.
Speculation from BJP's Jammu and Kashmir spokesperson Altaf Thakur hinted at potential positive news for the people of Kashmir during PM Modi's visit, emphasizing not only developmental projects but also a potentially significant announcement.
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