PM Modi Introduced Grassroots Democracy in J&K: Dr. Jitendra Singh

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 1st August. In an exclusive interview with Doordarshan News, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the transformative impact of the abrogation of Article 370 on Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing grassroots democracy to the region.

Dr. Singh emphasized that true local self-governance was only realized in J&K after PM Modi’s leadership, despite the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, which enabled local self-governance in the rest of India, being previously denied to the people of J&K under the guise of special status provided by Article 370 and 35A.

“Jammu and Kashmir ushered in a new era of grassroots democracy under PM Modi,” Dr. Singh stated, adding that the first-ever Zilla Parishad elections marked a watershed moment in J&K’s history. He further criticized opposition parties for their hollow rhetoric on Article 370, noting that it no longer resonates with the people, particularly the youth, who are leading a new wave of democratic enthusiasm post-abrogation.

Dr. Singh also highlighted the successful implementation of PM Modi’s development model in J&K over the past five years, which has gained widespread support among the region’s voters. He expressed confidence in the success of the upcoming elections in J&K, the first to be held in a decade, pointing to the high voter turnout in recent polls as evidence of the vibrant democracy taking root in the region.

Reflecting on the past, Dr. Singh lamented how the misuse of Article 370 by vested interests deprived the people of J&K of their democratic rights. He praised PM Modi’s reforms for bringing an end to mis-governance and allowing the people’s democratic aspirations to finally be realized.

In conclusion, Dr. Singh expressed his belief that J&K will emerge as a beacon of transformation for India, with the abrogation of Article 370 laying the foundation for a new era in the region. He reiterated that under PM Modi’s visionary leadership, J&K is poised to lead India’s growth story in the years to come.