Modi’s Mission Jammu

PM’s twin-rally blitz to ignite BJP fortress as J&K’s watershed election looms

Srinagar, Sep 9: In a high-stakes political maneuver, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to descend upon Jammu, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) traditional stronghold, on September 14th. This visit, featuring two rallies in a single day, marks a critical juncture in the run-up to Jammu and Kashmir’s first Assembly elections since the momentous abrogation of Article 370.

The Prime Minister’s whirlwind tour will see him addressing fervent crowds in Jammu city and Doda district, a strategic move aimed at reinvigorating the BJP’s base in a region that has historically been its power center. In 2014, the party swept all 25 of its Assembly seats from this area, a feat it’s eager to replicate or surpass in the upcoming polls.
However, the political landscape has shifted significantly since then. The rejuvenated Congress party has shown unexpected vigor, managing to increase its vote share by 5-10% in recent Lok Sabha polls, despite losing both seats. This resurgence has set the stage for a fierce electoral battle in what was once considered an impregnable BJP bastion.
A senior BJP leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized the galvanizing effect of Modi’s visit. “The Prime Minister’s rallies will be a game-changer. His connect with the masses here is unparalleled, and we expect these events to electrify our campaign,” the leader stated, hinting at plans for Modi to conduct over half a dozen rallies across J&K during the three-phase elections.
The BJP’s campaign strategy extends beyond Modi’s star power. The party is deploying a formidable array of 40 star campaigners, including Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, both of whom have already addressed rallies in the region. This all-hands-on-deck approach underscores the BJP’s determination to dominate the 43 seats up for grabs in the Jammu region of the 90-member J&K Assembly.
Adding an unexpected twist to the electoral narrative, the banned Jamaat-e-Islami organization held its first election rally since 1987 in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district. This surprising move by a group that has long advocated for poll boycotts signals a seismic shift in the region’s political dynamics, further complicating predictions for the upcoming elections.
As J&K stands at this historic crossroads, all eyes are on September 14th. Modi’s twin rallies in Jammu are poised to set the tone for what many are calling a referendum on the region’s new status. With every seat crucial and the political temperature rising, this election promises to be a watershed moment in Jammu and Kashmir’s turbulent political history.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, and as one BJP leader put it, “This is not an ordinary election but a very significant poll in which every vote counts.” As the campaign intensifies and heavyweights like Modi enter the fray, the coming weeks are set to witness a political spectacle that could reshape the future of this strategically vital region.