Jammu, Oct 24 – Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the abrogation of Article 370 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has significantly altered Jammu and Kashmir’s “destiny,” fostering peace and development in the region.

During a press interaction, Rijiju referenced the ongoing assembly polls in Bihar, asserting that a “Modi wave” is sweeping across the nation, with citizens expressing confidence in India’s future under Modi’s governance.

“I have personally felt that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and after the abrogation of Article 370, the destiny of Jammu and Kashmir has changed. Today, Jammu and Kashmir is moving forward on the path of peace and development,” Rijiju remarked. He emphasized the region’s beauty, stating, “The world wants to see Kashmir — it is such a beautiful place — and when there is both peace and progress here, it will look even more magnificent.” This statement was made during an event in Katra, where job letters were distributed to youth as part of a nationwide initiative led by the Prime Minister.

Rijiju reflected on his long history with the region, noting, “I have been coming to Kashmir for many years — I came in the 1970s, in the 1980s, and even after the 1990s and 2000s. But the kind of development that began in Jammu and Kashmir after 2014 had never happened before.” He explained that prior to the constitutional changes associated with the revocation of Article 370, many provisions of the Indian Constitution and reservation policies were not applicable in Jammu and Kashmir.

He highlighted that numerous central schemes had struggled to reach the populace before the removal of Article 370, but significant progress has been made since then. Rijiju noted his contributions as the former sports and law minister, where he initiated various projects, including sports facilities, auditoriums, multi-sports centers, training centers, and court infrastructure developments.

On the political landscape in Bihar, Rijiju remarked, “Today, the Prime Minister is beginning his campaign from the birthplace of Karpoori Thakur ji in Chhapra. This will send out a very strong message. The entire Bihar knows that only under the leadership of Modi ji can Bihar reach new heights. No one wants to see the return of ‘Jungle Raj’.”

Regarding RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav’s nomination as the INDIA bloc’s Chief Ministerial candidate in Bihar, Rijiju commented, “Just naming someone doesn’t mean anything. Public acceptance is what truly matters.” He reiterated the prevailing sentiment across the country, stating, “Today, there is a wave of Modi ji across the country, and everywhere people believe that India’s future is safe and bright under his leadership.”

When questioned about National Conference leader Omar Abdullah’s call for full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, Rijiju refrained from commenting. He congratulated the 51,000 youths who received government job appointments, stating, “Many congratulations to all the youths who have received appointment letters in various government departments. When someone gets a job, it is not only the person but the whole family and society that share the joy.”

Rijiju encouraged the youth to perceive government service as an opportunity to serve the nation, stating, “The 51,000 appointment letters given today are government jobs — which means an opportunity to serve the nation. I want to tell the youth not to consider this merely a job, but to see it as a responsibility to serve the country.”