Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make a landmark visit to Doda today, addressing a public rally in a region that has not seen a Prime Ministerial visit in over four decades. This rally is part of the BJP’s election campaign for the upcoming Jammu & Kashmir assembly elections, scheduled to begin on September 18. Modi’s visit to Doda is particularly significant, as the last visit by a Prime Minister to this area was in 1982.
A Milestone Visit
The rally, to be held at Doda Sports Stadium, marks a historic moment for the region. Union Minister and BJP’s election in-charge for J&K, G Kishan Reddy, emphasized the importance of this visit, stating, “This is the first time in 42 years that a Prime Minister will address the people of Doda. The last such visit was in 1982, making this event a major milestone in the region’s political history.”
Prime Minister Modi, the BJP’s star campaigner, will use this rally to outline the party’s vision for the development of Jammu & Kashmir, emphasizing security, infrastructure, and economic progress. The visit comes just days before the first phase of elections on September 18, when voters in eight assembly constituencies across the Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban districts will cast their ballots.
High Security Amid Tensions
In the lead-up to the rally, security in Doda and the surrounding areas has been tightened significantly. A high alert has been sounded following recent terrorist activity. Just a day before Modi’s visit, a gunfight broke out in the nearby Kishtwar district, resulting in the deaths of two army personnel and injuries to two others. Additionally, security forces have been actively engaged in counter-terrorism operations across Jammu, with recent clashes along the Udhampur-Kathua border resulting in the deaths of two armed terrorists.
So far this year, 14 security personnel and 11 civilians have lost their lives in extremist attacks in the Jammu region. The security apparatus is on heightened alert to ensure safety during the elections and the Prime Minister’s visit.
J&K Elections: A Defining Moment
The upcoming Jammu & Kashmir assembly elections, the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, are seen as a pivotal moment for the region. The election, scheduled in three phases, will begin on September 18 and conclude on October 1, with constituencies in South Kashmir and other key regions also voting on the first day.
The BJP is fielding key candidates in Doda, including Gajay Singh Rana and Shakti Raj Parihar. The party is expected to make a strong push for votes in the region, promoting its agenda of development and security. Following his rally in Doda, Prime Minister Modi is expected to address another gathering in Kurukshetra, Haryana, ahead of the Haryana assembly elections set for October 5.
A Busy Campaign Schedule
In addition to today’s rally in Doda, Modi is scheduled to visit Srinagar on September 19, where he will continue his campaign efforts ahead of the second and third phases of voting. The Prime Minister’s focus on Jammu & Kashmir highlights the region’s importance to the BJP’s national strategy.
The results of the Jammu & Kashmir and Haryana assembly elections will be announced on October 8, a date eagerly awaited by political observers.