In an exclusive interview with Doordarshan News, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the historic transformation in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) following the abrogation of Article 370, attributing the introduction of grassroots democracy in the region to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Dr. Singh stated, “Jammu and Kashmir ushered in a new era of grassroot democracy under PM Modi.”
Dr. Jitendra Singh, who is the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, emphasized that true local self-government had always eluded J&K, despite the implementation of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments that brought local self-governance to the rest of India. He pointed out that the people of J&K were denied these rights under the guise of the special status provided by Article 370 and 35A.
Ironically, Dr. Singh noted, the regional political parties, which claimed to be champions of “self-rule” or “autonomy,” ensured that local self-governance was denied to the elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions. He dismissed opposition parties’ efforts to restore Article 370 as hollow rhetoric that no longer resonates with the people of J&K, saying, “People of J&K have seen through these age-old tricks of changing the name of alliances and making empty promises. This no longer works with the new generation of voters who have witnessed the helpless plight of earlier two generations.”
Dr. Singh added, “In the last five years, they have witnessed the development model of PM Modi and do not wish to deny themselves the benefit of evidence-based governance and strong leadership provided by Prime Minister Modi.”
He further highlighted the enthusiasm among J&K’s youth for democratic participation post-abrogation of Article 370, expressing confidence in the success of the upcoming elections in J&K, the first to be conducted in a decade. He noted that the region’s vibrant democracy is ready to bloom again, as demonstrated by high voter turnouts in recent elections, including the Lok Sabha polls, where voter participation in J&K nearly matched the national average of 60%.
Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the significance of the first-ever Zilla Parishad elections in J&K, marking a watershed moment in the region’s history. He lamented that for decades, the people of J&K were denied their democratic rights due to the misuse of Article 370 by vested interests. Those who claimed to advocate for “self-rule,” he argued, deprived local representatives of the financial and administrative powers necessary for effective governance
