Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised the record voter turnout in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, highlighting the 60.21% participation rate, the highest in the last seven elections. He lauded the shift in the region, saying, “The people of J&K, once infamous for throwing stones at security personnel, now walk the streets with books and pens.”
During his address, Modi emphasized the significant contributions of Kashmiri Pandits to the region’s heritage, but also pointed out the displacement of the community due to the “self-serving politics” of three major political dynasties — the National Conference, PDP, and Congress. He accused them of being responsible for the suffering of Kashmiri Hindus and Sikh families, who faced violence and displacement over the years.
Reiterating his government’s commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, Modi said, “It’s the BJP that will fulfill this commitment,” while calling for a peaceful and prosperous Kashmir.
The Prime Minister encouraged voters to turn out in record numbers for the second phase of elections on September 25 and cast their votes for the BJP.