In an exclusive interview with Doordarshan News, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the historic transformation in Jammu & Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for introducing grass root democracy in the region.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said, "Jammu and Kashmir ushered in a new era of grass root democracy under PM Modi.”

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions emphasised that true local self-government always eluded J&K, despite the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments bringing local self-governance in the rest of India. People of J&K were denied these rights under the guise of special status provided by Article 370 and 35A, he said.

Ironically, pointed out Dr Jitendra Singh, the regional political parties which claimed to be champions of "self-rule" or "autonomy" made sure that the same was denied to the elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions.

Dr. Jitendra Singh firmly dismissed opposition parties' attempts to create a false narrative about the restoration of Article 370, stating that these efforts are hollow rhetoric that no longer resonates with the people of J&K. "People of J&K have seen through these age-old tricks of changing the name of alliances and making empty promises. This no longer works with the new generation of voters who have witnessed the helpless plight of earlier two generations ," he asserted.

''In the last five years, they have witnessed the development model of PM Modi and donot wish to deny themselves the benefit of evidence-based governance and strong leadership provided by Prime Minister Modi."

Dr. Jitendra Singh said " J&K's Youth Lead a New Wave of Democratic Enthusiasm Post-Abrogation of Article 370" He expressed confidence in the success of upcoming elections in J&K, the first to be conducted in a decade, noting a strong wave of enthusiasm among the citizens. He highlighted that the vibrant democracy of the region is ready to bloom again post-abrogation, as demonstrated by the high voter turnouts in recent elections, including the Lok Sabha polls, where voter participation in J&K nearly matched the national average of 60%.

Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored that the first-ever Zilla Parishad elections in J&K marked a watershed moment in the region's history. He lamented that, for decades, the people of J&K were denied their democratic rights due to the misuse of Article 370 by vested interests. These so-called proponents of "self-rule," he argued, deprived local representatives of the financial and administrative powers necessary for effective governance.

Reflecting on the past, Dr. Jitendra Singh lamented how previous elections in J&K saw candidates securing as little as 8-10% of the vote being elected as MPs and MLAs. He had previously proposed a minimum threshold for votes required for election, but this was resisted by those with vested interests in maintaining dynasty politics. However, he stressed that PM Modi's reforms have changed everything that stood against the welfare of the people of J&K, bringing their democratic aspirations to the forefront after decades of mis-governance.

The Minister also drew parallels between the transformation in J&K and the Northeast of India, where they have gained the trust of the people. He stated that, except for one state, their party now governs all Northeastern states, dispelling initial fears at social and cultural level.

“Prime Minister Modi completed the unfinished task of integrating J&K fully into the Indian Union. The abrogation of Article 370, he said, has brought citizenship rights to those who were deprived of them for seven decades and set the stage for J&K to emerge as a torchbearer of India’s growth story” the people who oppose should be thankful he added.

"In the years to come, J&K will emerge as a beacon of transformation for entire India", said Dr. Jitendra Singh towards the conclusion of the interview. He stated that the abrogation of Article 370 has laid the foundation of a new era in J&K, where the people's voices are heard and their rights fully realized. He reiterated that J&K will soon be in a position to lead India's growth story under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

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KSY/PSM