SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Dec. 14 (PNA/Xinhua) — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday addressed an election rally in Indian-controlled Kashmir, urging people to vote for Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) and put an end to “dynastic rule” in the region.
Modi addressed the rally in Kathua, about 332 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.
Modi, senior leader of the right-wing Hindu nationalist BJP, launched an attack on India’s Congress party and the region’s two main parties ruling National Conference and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“Non BJP governments are responsible for the situation in Jammu and Kashmir (Indian-controlled Kashmir) where people are still deprived of the basic amenities,” Modi told the rally. “If you punish them once, they will realize their mistakes.”
The prime minister said people should put an end to the dynastic rule for it was against the values of democracy.
“Are there no more sons and daughters? Will only one father-son and father-daughter run the governments here? Do you have to always remain in their tangle?” Modi said. “Don’t look at those father-son, father-daughter duos. Look at your own sons and daughters. Herein lies your benefit.”
Modi led BJP to a landslide victory in India’s general elections this year and decimated Congress party after two successive terms.
Under Modi’s leadership, BJP won local elections in Haryana and Maharashtra.
Indian-controlled Kashmir is a Muslim majority region. Though there are some regional parties that usually have main role in government making, this year BJP is aiming at winning 44 plus seats in the 87-strong assembly (lawmaking body).
Modi said his party will pursue development in Indian- controlled Kashmir and rid the region of corruption if voted to power.
Authorities had made adequate security measures in the town ahead of this high-profile visit.
Heavy security contingents were deployed in and around the town to ward off any eventuality.
Militants challenging New Delhi’s rule in the restive region are fighting guerrilla war with Indian troops since 1989. The gunfight between the two sides takes place intermittently.
Separatist groups and militants opposing New Delhi’s rule in the region reject Indian elections and have urged people to boycott the exercise, and stay away from polls.
The voters ignored the boycott call from separatist and militant groups and turned out in thousands to exercise their franchise.
The first two phases recorded a huge turnout of over 70 per cent across the region, while the third phase recorded over 58 per cent.
The five-phase staggered polls for local elections in the restive region began on Nov. 25 and would end on Dec. 20.(PNA/Xinhua)