||Black and White Digital News||

||Tejveer Singh, May 17, 2024 ||

**Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed his commitment to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the appropriate time for such a move is awaited. His remarks came during an interview with Aaj Tak news channel, where he discussed a variety of issues, including the impressive voter turnout in the recent Srinagar Parliamentary elections.**

**Commitment to Statehood:**

Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is a promise made in Parliament and remains a firm commitment of his government. He likened the timing of this move to the natural growth cycle of crops, saying, “The crop of wheat will grow during its season,” indicating that the decision will be made when circumstances are most favorable.

**Record Voter Turnout:**

In the fourth phase of the Parliamentary elections on May 13, Srinagar saw an unprecedented voter turnout of 36 percent, the highest since 1996. Modi hailed this as a clear endorsement of his government’s policies, asserting that it signaled no discrimination on religious grounds. He described the atmosphere on polling day as festive, with people participating enthusiastically, offering tea, singing, clapping, and celebrating democracy.

**First Rally in Four Decades:**

Referring to his rally in Kashmir in March, Modi highlighted its significance as the first of its kind in 40 years, underscoring a new era of peace and political engagement in the region.

**Harsh Decisions for Safety:**

Modi defended the controversial decision to snap internet services in Kashmir, citing it as a necessary measure to save lives and prevent youth from being misled by harmful influences. He contrasted the decade from 2004 to 2014, which saw many mothers losing their sons, with the current period from 2014 to 2024, during which, he claimed, many lives have been saved.

**A New Era in Kashmir:**

The Prime Minister noted the dramatic shift in Kashmir’s electoral dynamics post the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories in August 2019. The high voter turnout, he said, was a testament to the people’s confidence in the Indian Constitution and their rejection of past separatist calls for hartals and boycotts.

**Opposition’s Silence:**

Modi pointed out that the opposition parties, which have long used Kashmir as an electoral issue, have been left speechless and can no longer promise the return of Article 370. He accused these parties of previously leaving the security of the people to fate and being lenient towards terrorism, thus allowing it to spread across the country.

**Attack on Opposition:**

In his rally at Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Modi criticized the opposition, particularly the Congress and Samajwadi Party, for questioning the bravery of the Indian Army and promising to revoke key legislations like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and Article 370. He accused them of indulging in ‘vote bank politics’ and inciting ‘vote jihad’ against his government.

**Azamgarh’s Transformation:**

Modi highlighted the transformation of Azamgarh’s identity, which had been marred by associations with terrorism. He attributed this change to his government’s policies, which he claimed have brought peace and security to the region.

**Synopsis of Modi’s Speech:**

1. **Commitment to Statehood:** Reaffirmed promise to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir when conditions are right.

2. **Record Voting in Srinagar:** Praised 36 percent turnout as a festival of democracy and a vindication of government policies.

3. **First Rally in 40 Years:** Noted significance of his March rally in Kashmir.

4. **Internet Shutdown Justification:** Defended internet bans as lifesaving measures.

5. **Contrast with Past Decades:** Highlighted reduction in violence and loss of lives since 2014.

6. **Post-Article 370 Scenario:** Emphasized new peace and political engagement post-abrogation.

7. **Opposition’s Silence:** Criticized opposition for their historical stance and current silence on Kashmir.

8. **Attack on Opposition:** Condemned Congress and allies for their stance on national security and key legislations.

9. **Transformation of Azamgarh:** Claimed credit for changing the region’s negative image associated with terrorism.

**Conclusion:**

Modi’s speech not only reinforced his commitment to the promises made regarding Jammu and Kashmir but also celebrated the democratic spirit of its people. His rhetoric emphasized peace, security, and a stark departure from the violence of past decades, setting a tone of cautious optimism for the future.