Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing an election rally in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. (Press Trust of India)
Asserting that he has deep affection for Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today vowed to fulfil the "dream" of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee based on "democracy, humanity and Kashmiriyat" that has made a "special place" in the hearts of people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing his first election rally in the state, Mr Modi said, "I want to urge people to install with full majority a BJP government in Jammu and Kashmir and trust my words that the dream, which Atalji had seen for Jammu and Kashmir, Modi will use all his might and will fulfil that dream."
He warned against attempts to link religion to politics, saying "a Kashmiri is a Kashmiri" and the government at the Centre was committed to development of the state.
"Our mantra is only development, development and development," he said, adding, "I will return your trust in me with interest by ensuring full-fledged development in J&K."
He said it's his wish to complete the work started by Mr Vajpayee. "It is my wish and I will come repeatedly here for that," the Prime Minister said amid slogans of 'Modi, Modi' from the audience.
"I have deep affection with Kashmir. Affection from the core of my heart and soul," he told the rally at Chowgan ground in Kishtwar, adding other political parties were surprised that there has not been even a single month when Mr Modi has not come to Kashmir.
Recalling the NDA rule under Mr Vajapyee, he said, "Every Kashmiri thought that now their dreams be fulfilled. But during last 10 years, what has happened with Kashmir and its situation."
Taking a dig at successive governments in the state over corruption, he said, "If there is a hole in the bucket then the water will not stay. I wonder where the money that comes from the Centre goes".