Uttarakhand CM Credits Modi for 'New' Jammu & Kashmir

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami of Uttarakhand attributed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's ability to visit Jammu and Kashmir to PM Modi's efforts. Dhami, during a rally for BJP candidate Surjeet Singh Salathia, emphasized the positive changes in J&K post-abrogation of Article 370 ahead of the upcoming elections.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday, declaring that if the 'Shehzada' can visit Jammu and Kashmir, it is due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives. Dhami addressed a rally in Samba to support BJP candidate Surjeet Singh Salathia for the upcoming J-K polls.

Recalling former Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde's fears of visiting Lal Chowk under the Manmohan Singh government, Dhami credited Modi for making such visits possible today. He called on the public to defeat the ideologies of the PDP, Congress, and NC to 'create history' in the elections.

Dhami criticized opposition parties for advocating trade resumption with Pakistan and the release of detainees involved in terrorism and separatism. He labeled this mindset as that of Abdulla, NC, Congress, and PDP, urging voters to reject it. Dhami highlighted the abrogation of Article 370, noting the record voting in recent Lok Sabha elections and increased security.

Dhami cited improvements in J&K, such as a peaceful Baba Amarnath Yatra and the return of cinema and nighttime activities. He stated that this transformation represents Modi's vision for J&K, where the Tricolour now flies at Lal Chowk instead of the Pakistani flag.

Polling in J-K will be conducted in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with vote counting set for October 8."

(With inputs from agencies.)