Union HM, J&K LG deliver for PM Modi on J&K turf
JAMMU: Baramulla on Wednesday scripted history with an enthusiastic 40,000 crowd of young and old, women and men, waiting and cheering to have a close glimpse of Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Amit Shah, who arrived to address his first ever rally in this part of the bordering north Kashmir.
Kashmir watchers had expected a sizable crowd but not a sea of people, in literary terms, which shocked some and surprised many. Even the BJP leaders and organizers of the rally privately admit that though they had expected a good gathering, yet they never expected so many people turning up despite most of rural Kashmir, especially North Kashmir busy with harvesting. Long queues with people jostling to enter through two narrow gates and excitement writ large on their faces, thousands flocked the Showkat Ali Stadium. The arrival of the Home Minister symbolized the dawn of new hope. It was certainly not a regular day in the valley. There was something special, something spectacular. People were standing along and singing the national anthem together and the whole atmosphere was filled with slogans of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jay’. Groups of joyous youth were seen dancing to the beats of dhols, playing the bansuri (flute), and chanting slogans in praise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Amit Shah for their massive reach out to various segments of the Kashmir society, Paharis, Gujjars and Bakerwals in particular.
The new India and the new Jammu and Kashmir, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is taking shape to unite everyone and pledging together in this Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The assembly of people was a shining reflection of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas. Home Minister Amit Shah and LG Manoj Sinha are translating the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on ground. They are delivering in terms of restoration of peace by effective anti-terror measures with no collateral damage. In fact a substantial headway has been made in this regard. Due to the prevalence of peace, normal activities are a new norm in the Valley. During the past over nine months, more than 22 lakh tourists have visited the Valley, which is a record of sorts. On the developmental front, the Prime Minister wants development to reach newest pinnacles, electricity to be available uninterruptedly, industry to grow with massive investments and opportunities of progress to become available to all, without any disparity. These were some of the key factors that drove people to the historic rally in Baramulla.
The momentous occasion witnessed the promise of a new era with energetic youth responding euphorically to the clarion call given by the Union Home Minister, asking them all to come and join the odyssey of making India and Kashmir great. The scenario depicted peoples’ deep yearning for peace-not peace of graveyard but the peace the Valley was known the world over. Presence of such a large number of people stood testimony to their urge for Kashmir steering to a new era of progress and development.
If the Bharatiya Janata Party ever needed some ammunition to convince the rest of the world about its acceptance in the Kashmir valley, the October 5 massive show in the historic Baramulla township gave it enough artillery to go to town with images and messaging.
As always with the BJP and its top duo of Modi-Shah, more important is the messaging part. People turned up in thousands next to the LoC and next to the once separatist hotbed of Sopore, that is enough for the saffron party to claim its acceptance in the Kashmir valley.
Whether these numbers in the rally can convert into votes for BJP remains to be seen, but with the success of the Baramulla rally, PM Modi and HM Amit Shah will believe that they have finally broken the glass ceiling and the world must take note.
That the rally went incident free will also be a huge feather in LG Manoj Sinha’s cap, who seems to have planned every bit to the minutest detail meticulously. A perfectionist, as he is, the LG’s main thrust has been to ensure peace prevailing, notwithstanding the machinations of the inimical elements. This is something that has endeared him with all those wanting the restoration of the pristine glory of the Valley. Well begun is half done! Peace is in the air! With economic activities in full swing and developmental strides touching new milestones, the socio-political empowerment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in a big way is on cards.