Arun Joshi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday equated the power of removal of Article 370 to the game changing political scenario in the country in which BJP would reach the goal of 370 seats in the coming Lok Sabha elections.
He kept his date with Jammu’s MAM stadium after 10 years, where in December 2013 he had given a clarion call of debate on the merits and demerits of the Article 370, and given a call for change of the political system so that the youth of the erstwhile state could access all the development, educational, professional opportunities as these existed in the rest of the country. Today, he said, “I have come before you (the people of Jammu) when I have fulfilled all the promises mad to you in December 2013.”
This was substantiated by the inauguration and laying of foundation stone of projects worth Rs.32,000 crores, including AIIMS, IIM, IIT, railway connectivity from Kashmir to Sangaldhan in Ramban district of Jammu region.
It was a politically strategic move by the Prime Minister, underlining that if “Modi’s guarantee can be fulfilled in a place like J&K, which was once a byword for bombs, bullets and stone-pelting, “it could happen in all other states and union territories across the nation. He, effectively mad3, the changed scenario of J&K, in which peace runs life and initiatives, as a springboard for his national campaign where he has set a goal of 370 seats for the BJP, and 400 plus for the NDA.
Prime Minister chose his words carefully, bringing Article 370 and its ill-effects till the time it stayed in the Constitution of India – August 5, 2019 into focus, reminding the audience that how this provision stood as a wall between the development and Jammu and Kashmir. “The state was condemned to witness violence and dream scuttling environment in which only the dynastic political parties benefited, sacrificing the interests and future of the youth. The families that ruled the state for decades, (though he did not name National Conference of Abdullahs and PDP of Muftis) worked to further their self-interests without caring for the youth and the overall society.” He charged Congress with pursuing Dynic politics and insulting soldiers . “Congress lied to ex-servicemen about one rank and one pension, but we delivered it to the soldiers.” There was a strong message that BJP alone cares for soldiers . The place and timing were significant . Jammu region’s villages contribute a large number of soldiers from their soil . The army and Jammu region are integral toe ah other , besides this land borders Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir.
The underlying message was that Modi alone could deliver them out of all uncertainties . There could have been no better example than that of Jammu and Kashmir, which was lost in dark atmosphere of gloom and doom . Now the same J&K is marching ahead in the development and showing ways to others in the rest of the country . This transformation is both palpable and palatable . This is a unique example . Alongside , there was a political message to the rest of the country that Modi symbolized and guaranteed development, freedom from fear and bright days for the country , whereas the opposition was a guarantee of drift and darkness. He made a choice before the people very stark – you chose development and progress or be doomed at the hands of family-run parties.
Modi set the stage for Lok Sabha polls from Jammu and Kashmir, showcasing it as his capacity, ability and the guarantee of ridding the erstwhile state of dynastic politics . J&K and removal of Article 370 will continue to resonate with his party’s goal of winning 370 seats in the run up to polls.
Arun Joshi is author of “Eyewitness Kashmir; Teetering on Nuclear War and senior journalist based in Jammu and Kashmir, writes on South Asian affairs)
Disclaimer: This is the personal opinion of the author. The views expressed in this write-up have nothing to do with www.prameyanews.com.
