JAMMU: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday said that Jammu and Kashmir’s “destiny” has transformed under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership following the abrogation of Article 370, paving the way for lasting peace and development in the region.
Addressing reporters in Katra during a Rozgar Mela event where job letters were distributed to youth as part of a nationwide programme chaired by the prime minister, Rijiju said, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and after the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing unprecedented growth. The region is moving steadily on the path of peace and development.”
He noted that the world has always admired Kashmir’s natural beauty, and with peace and progress, “it will shine even brighter.”
Recalling his past visits to the region, Rijiju said, “I have been visiting Jammu and Kashmir since the 1970s, but the kind of development that began here after 2014 had never been seen before.”
The Parliamentary Affairs Minister highlighted that prior to the constitutional changes made during the revocation of Article 370, several provisions of the Indian Constitution and reservation policies were not applicable to the Union Territory. “After the removal of Article 370, many central welfare schemes have successfully reached the people,” he said.
Sharing his experience as a former Sports and Law Minister, Rijiju added that several sports and judicial infrastructure projects — including stadiums, multi-sports centres, training facilities, and new court complexes — were initiated in the region.
Commenting on the political scenario in Bihar, Rijiju said the prime minister’s campaign launch from the birthplace of Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur in Chhapra would “send out a strong message.”
“The entire Bihar knows that only under the leadership of Modi ji can the state reach new heights. No one wants to see the return of ‘Jungle Raj’,” he remarked.
On RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav being projected as the INDIA bloc’s chief ministerial candidate, Rijiju said, “Simply naming someone doesn’t mean much — public acceptance is what matters. This is a democracy, and people are supreme. Today, there’s a clear Modi wave across the nation, and people everywhere believe that India’s future is safe and bright under his leadership.”
When asked about National Conference leader Omar Abdullah’s demand for full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, Rijiju declined to comment.
Extending greetings to the 51,000 youths who received government jobs, Rijiju said, “When a young person gets a job, it’s not just their success — it brings happiness to the entire family and society. I urge all to see government service not just as employment, but as an opportunity to serve the nation.”
