J&K leaders indulging in graft, emotional blackmail: Narendra Modi

Udhampur (Jammu), Nov 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the development of Jammu and Kashmir has been stagnant since the last 30 years and leaders here "indulge in corruption and emotional blackmail".

Addressing a rally for the BJP here ahead of the second phase of polls in Jammu and Kashmir, Modi said there have been a dozen prime ministers in India but none has had the opportunity to visit Jammu and Kashmir as much as he has had.

"I decided to spend Diwali with the flood-affected people here. My decision was not for politics, nor was it for gathering votes," he said.

He added: "What has not happened in 30 years, if I do not do it in five years, then you can hold me accountable for it and even question me." Addressing the people, Modi said: "Rajiv Gandhi ne kaha tha - Delhi se Rs 1 nikalta hai to gaon jaate jaate 15 paisa ho jata hai. Yeh 85 paise kaha jaata tha?" making a reference to the corruption in the system.

Modi: I decided to spend Diwali with the flood-affected people here

"Development has been stuck in Jammu and Kashmir for 30 years. Leaders from ruling and opposition parties indulge in corruption and emotional blackmail."

"We have to work towards the valley's development and I need your help in doing it," he said.

The next phase of election in Jammu and Kashmir will take place on Dec 2.

IANS