PM Modi addresses election rally in Udhampur.
Addressing an election rally in Udhampur near Jammu today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought a clear mandate for the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir, saying there has been little development in the state, which, he said, has been "stuck at the same place" for past 30 years.
PM Modi assured the crowd - that continuously cheered and chanted his name - that he would work on providing job opportunities for the youth in the state. He said he was probably the only Prime Minister who had visited month after month.
"I came here in July, in August, in September, in October, in November and I will be here in December," the PM said as the crowd roared its approval.
Mr Modi attacked the Congress, the National Conference of Omar Abdullah that rules the state and the main opposition People's Democratic Party, accusing them of "looting the state" besides "emotionally blackmailing" people.
"Development has been stuck at the same place here for the last 30 years. Corruption, loot and emotional blackmailing has become a habit of politicians here," Mr Modi said.
Asking the people to vote in a BJP government, he said, "We have decided that no time will be wasted in sending whatever that the state needs. But I will also make sure that we know where every rupee sent from Delhi is spent," he said.
Mr Modi also thanked the people in the state for voting in large numbers in the first phase of elections this week.
"I thank the people of Jammu and Kashmir for coming out and voting in such large numbers. The militants are astounded. Those who wanted to use bullet to overpower the strength of ballot have failed. People have shown that the strength of ballot has overpowered the bullet," he said.
He will also address a rally in Poonch, also in the Jammu region, today.
Jammu and Kashmir is voting for a new government on five days spread over a month. Results will be out on December 23.