With the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls ending this week, the political landscape is buzzing with anticipation for the third and final round. In an exclusive and no-holds-barred interview with News18, Dr Jitendra Singh, minister of state in the Prime Minister’s Office, discussed the BJP’s transformative agenda for J&K and the party’s vision for the future.
Dr Singh asserted that the people of the region, especially in Jammu, are eager to bring the BJP back to power, as they have experienced fair development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“For many years, Jammu expressed discrimination, but in the last ten years, Jammu and Kashmir has seen the same progress. Before 2014, agitation was common, but now, peace and development have taken center stage,” he said.
Highlighting the development in his own constituency, Dr Singh showed unprecedented growth in health and infrastructure. “My constituency is the only one in the world that has three medical colleges. The airport is being developed, and Kishtwar will also have it. Modi Ji has blessed this region with growth for a long time,” he said.
On the issue of water rights, Dr. Singh credited Prime Minister Modi for completing the stalled project in the Indus Water Treaty, which has left India with less water than Pakistan. “Modi Ji completed a project that ensured India’s rightful share of water from the Ravi River, water that previously flowed to Pakistan.”
Abolish Article 370: ‘Historical Milestone’
Talking about the BJP’s longstanding commitment to abrogate Article 370, Dr Singh reiterated that there is a matter of conviction for the party. “This is in the Jan Sangh manifesto. Syama Prasad Mukherjee had a clear vision, that until we come to power, we will not be able to implement our agenda. Vajpayee could not do it because of coalition constraints, but it was destined for Modi Ji to fulfill his promise.
Dr Singh also pointed out how Article 370 has been exploited by certain political leaders in Kashmir for personal gain. “Politicians are using Article 370 to keep the people of Kashmir from progressing and under control. For the first time in 50 years, assembly elections will be held for a period of five years. It is the leaders who are preventing the implementation of the Panchayati Raj Act, keeping funds in their personal accounts.
He spoke passionately about the plight of West Pakistani refugees, who have been denied basic rights for decades. “These refugees are nationalists, but they are not given citizenship in Jammu and Kashmir. Congress and NC do not see them as part of the vote bank, so they ignore their rights. This has changed under Modi Ji.
‘A New Era of Development and Stability’
Dr Singh pointed to the transformation of Kashmir’s education sector as proof of the BJP’s success in the region. “Today, children from Kashmir have reached great heights, with access to resources and technology. A girl from Poonch, in her first attempt, ranked 11th in the IAS exam—a remarkable achievement for a region with no training centers and new colleges .
On the issue of statehood, Dr Singh was confident, echoing Modi’s earlier statement. “Statehood will be restored. The opposition is just trying to claim credit for things that are already in the pipeline.
‘Equitable development and a brighter future’
In the BJP, Dr Singh asserted that Jammu and Kashmir have seen similar development. “Jammu was ignored for decades when all funds went to Kashmir. This has changed now. Under BJP, both regions are seeing development together.
He dismissed the opposition’s claims as baseless, noting that the Congress and the National Conference were struggling with internal disillusionment. “Omar Abdullah is not happy with the Congress for not taking the election campaign seriously. Meanwhile, the BJP is always ready.
Role of Jammu & Kashmir in India’s Growth Story
Dr. Singh concluded by talking about the important role of Jammu and Kashmir in India’s economic future. “Before 2014, India was classified among the ‘fragile five’, but under the leadership of Modi Ji, we are now in the top five. With resources like lithium ore in Reasi and Neelam and Sapphire ore in Kishtwar, J&K will be pivotal in India rise to economic supremacy.
As the third and final phase of the elections draw near, Dr Jitendra Singh’s words reflect a sense of optimism and confidence in the BJP’s vision for a united and progressive Jammu and Kashmir. With the promise of restored statehood and continued growth, the stage is set for what could be a pivotal moment in the region’s political history.
