In his second visit to poll-bound Jammu and Kashmir in less than a week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the youth of Jammu and Kashmir have found confidence in democracy again. PM Modi was campaigning for BJP candidates at the Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium in Kashmir where he said the party will fulfill its promise of restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood.
"The youth of my Jammu and Kashmir is no more helpless. He is becoming empowered under the Modi government. I am happy that the J-K BJP has also made huge announcements for the employment of youth. Be it their skill development or providing jobs without manipulation, the BJP will do all these," PM Modi said.
"Do you remember what they did in the 1980s? They treated Jammu and Kashmir's politics as their own fiefdom. They did not want anyone except their families to come forward? Otherwise, why did they stop the Panchayat, DDC and BDC elections? They knew it would bring new faces who would challenge their family rule. What was the damage as a result of their selfishness? The youth kept losing faith in democracy. They felt whether they vote or not, only these three families will come to power," he said.
The Prime Minister said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir has "vastly changed" over the last five years which has restored the confidence of youth in a democratic process.
PM Modi urged the people of J&K to vote in large numbers and said, "It's a festival of democracy. The first phase has ended and for the first time voting has taken place without any fear of terrorism. People have come out in large numbers including young and old."
"Remember the conditions in which elections were held earlier. The campaigns would stop by 6 pm. Door-to-door campaigns were impossible. The Congress, NC and PDP -- these three families were happy with it. These people used to make merry by snatching your rights," he said.
"Today, the campaign happens late in the night. Now, the people are celebrating democracy. Youth have found confidence in democracy again, they feel their vote, their democratic right, can bring change. This hope is the first step towards empowerment," he added.
The first round of voting took place in seven districts of the Union Territory on Wednesday. Kishtwar saw over 80% turnout, Doda recorded above 71%, Ramban surpassed 70%, and Kulgam saw over 62% turnout. This is the first election in the region after the abrogation of Article 370.