Srinagar: As the election race intensifies in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to hold rallies in Srinagar and Katra on Thursday, just after the first phase of voting concludes.
Before his departure for Kashmir, Modi expressed gratitude to the people for their enthusiastic participation in the first phase of the elections on September 18.
“I look forward to being among the people of Jammu and Kashmir today. Will address a rally in Srinagar and Katra. Yesterday’s turnout has shown that the people of J&K are very enthusiastic about the elections and are keen to make the poll process vibrant. I will speak about our development agenda and seek people’s blessings,” he wrote on X.
The rally in Srinagar is slated for Sher-e-Kashmir Park, near the city center at Lal Chowk, with around 30,000 party workers and supporters expected to attend. This event is part of the BJP's strategy to bolster support for its candidates in the Valley, where it has fielded candidates in 19 of the 47 seats, a decrease from the last Assembly elections in 2014.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir V K Birdi stated that extensive security measures have been implemented for the Prime Minister’s visit. “Elections and VVIP visits go hand in hand. We have established a multi-tier security system in accordance with established protocols,” he confirmed.
Later in the day, Modi is scheduled to address another poll rally at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sports Complex in Katra at 3 pm. BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh claimed Modi’s visit to J&K would be a “game changer”.
Published 19 September 2024, 06:45 IST