Katra, Oct 24: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday said the development witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 was unprecedented and marked a turning point in the region’s governance and infrastructure.
Speaking at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University during an event where Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressed newly recruited candidates under the Rozgar Mela, Rijiju said that Jammu and Kashmir’s “fate turned around” after the Modi government came to power and Article 370 was removed.
“I have been coming to Kashmir since my childhood. I came here in the 70s, 80s, 90s, and even after 2000. The development that has taken place in J&K after 2014 has never been seen before,” Rijiju said.
He said that Jammu and Kashmir now has sports facilities, auditoriums, and training centres in every district. “When I was the Law Minister, court buildings and the foundation of the High Court complex were built. I have worked in different departments and seen this transformation closely,” he said.
The Union Minister added that after the removal of Article 370, the region’s “destiny has opened up”. He said the government’s focus is now on sustaining peace and ensuring growth across all sectors. “J&K has to move forward with peace, and the world wants to see it. It is a beautiful place, and if there is peace and development, it will progress even more,” he added.
Responding to a question about Bihar, Rijiju said that PM Modi’s visit to the state marks the beginning of a significant campaign. “The Prime Minister is starting his campaign from the birthplace of Karpoori Thakur, which will send a big message. The people of Bihar know that only under Modi ji’s leadership can Bihar move to new heights,” he said.
Regarding Tejashwi Yadav’s political prospects, Rijiju said that democracy depends on public choice. “What will happen by making a face? The public has to accept it. This is democracy,” he said.
He said the “mood of Bihar is visible across India” and that people across the country see the future under Modi’s leadership. “India is a union, and we are all part of it,” he added—(KNO)
