J&K polls: Narendra Modi blames NC, PDP for corruption in Kashmir

Billawar (Jammu and Kashmir), Dec 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday blamed the Congress, National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party in Jammu and Kashmir for corruption and misgovernance in the state.

Addressing a huge election rally for the Bharatiya Janata Party in Billawar town of Kathua district, Modi said: "The biggest problem of Jammu and Kashmir is corruption, misgovernance and family rule."

"These three parties have come to power at different periods of time and they have only taken care of their families," he said.

"The time has come when you have to ensure that your own sons and daughters make progress and that cannot happen as long as you give power to political parties run by families," Modi said.

Modi felicitated the people for a high voter turnout in the four phases of the assembly elections so far. The state is in the midst of polls with the fifth and final stage to be held Saturday. The vote count will be held Dec 23.

Modi: Biggest problem of Jammu and Kashmir is corruption

He said people's participation has proved that they have faith in democracy and in institutions in India.

Modi also spoke how many people across the country want to visit the state not only for tourism but also for pilgrimage. "People go to Badrinath and Kedarnath, but they also yearn to visit Jammu and Kashmir for tourism, and temples and shrines for religious reasons," he said.

He appealed to the electorate to vote in large numbers in the final phase of the assembly elections.

Modi also spoke of the central government's projects about development of saffron and Pashmina in the state, announced after the BJP formed the government at the centre.

Modi will be addressing another rally in Jammu city on Tuesday.

IANS