Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on the political dynasties of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) during a rally in Doda district on Saturday, accusing the Congress, National Conference (NC), and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of depriving the region of its rights through years of dynastic politics. He claimed that these parties have weakened J&K from within and failed to address the concerns of its people, especially the youth.
Addressing a massive crowd in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda, PM Modi said the upcoming Assembly elections would be crucial in determining the future of the region. “This time, the elections of Jammu and Kashmir are going to decide the fate of J&K. Since independence, our beloved J&K has been targeted by foreign powers. After that, ‘pariwarwad’ (dynastic politics) started hollowing out this beautiful state,” Modi remarked, emphasizing the deep-rooted influence of a few powerful families over the political system.
Accusations of dynastic rule
PM Modi specifically targeted the political parties that have dominated J&K’s politics for decades, accusing them of focusing on securing power for their families rather than addressing the needs of the region. “The political parties you trusted here did not care about your children. Those political parties only promoted their own children. The youth of Jammu and Kashmir have been suffering under terrorism, while the parties promoting ‘pariwarwad’ were having fun by misleading you,” Modi said in a scathing critique of the Congress, NC, and PDP.
The Prime Minister argued that these political dynasties have never allowed new leadership to flourish in J&K, stifling the growth of fresh voices and ideas. “These people have never allowed new leaders to emerge anywhere in J&K. You also know that panchayat elections were not held here after 2000,” he said, highlighting the lack of grassroots democracy under previous governments.
Modi pointed out that terrorism has significantly impacted the region’s youth, and while the state struggled with violence, political dynasties benefitted from power. His remarks were aimed at rallying voters against the established political families and encouraging them to embrace new leadership that prioritizes development and peace.
Focus on security and prosperity
PM Modi assured the people of J&K that his government is committed to bringing peace and prosperity to the region. He stated that his administration has projected new leadership in J&K to counter the effects of dynastic politics, which has “destroyed this beautiful region.”
In his address, the Prime Minister stressed that terrorism is on its last breath in J&K and that his government’s actions have weakened the forces of militancy in the region. “We and you together will make Jammu and Kashmir a secure and prosperous part of the country,” he told the crowd, appealing for continued support as his party seeks to bring lasting peace to the troubled region.
This rally in Doda marked the first public address by PM Modi in the lead-up to the Assembly elections, with the first phase of voting scheduled to begin on September 18. His visit was significant, as he became the first sitting Prime Minister to visit Doda in 42 years.
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Attack on congress and Rahul Gandhi
Apart from attacking the dynastic politics of J&K, PM Modi also took aim at the Congress party and its leader Rahul Gandhi. He accused the Congress of hypocrisy, referencing a recent incident in which an India Today journalist claimed to have been assaulted by Rahul Gandhi’s team during a visit to the United States.
“They (Congress) claim to be running Mohabbat ki dukaan (a shop of love). But a journalist from our country was subjected to cruelty in the USA by Congress. A son of India was insulted in the USA. Those who claim to be champions of freedom of speech indulged in brutality,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister’s remarks came in response to reports that a journalist covering Rahul Gandhi’s tour was allegedly assaulted by members of his team, sparking criticism of the Congress party. Modi’s mention of this incident was aimed at undermining the Congress’s image as defenders of free speech and democratic values.
Looking ahead
With the Assembly elections on the horizon, PM Modi’s speech in Doda was designed to rally support for his party by positioning the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as the force for change in Jammu and Kashmir. By criticizing the entrenched dynastic politics of the region and highlighting his government’s efforts to counter terrorism and promote development, Modi sought to win over voters eager for a new direction in the Union Territory.
As the electoral battle heats up, Modi’s message is clear: the people of Jammu and Kashmir should reject the old political dynasties and embrace a future built on security, prosperity, and fresh leadership.
