Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Friday is seen as a tough political call as it comes in the wake of a raging row over a demand for revoking Article 370 of the constitution that gives special status to the state. On his maiden visit to the state after assuming office, the Prime Minister Modi has quiet a busy schedule encompassing development and security. He would inaugurate the 25 kilometre long stretch of the railways from Katra town to Udhampur. Review security at the borders with Pakistan and China and also in the hinterlands at a high level meeting in Srinagar, inaugurate the 240 megawatt hydro-electric power project in the border town of Uri and return to New Delhi the same day this is how his itinerary is jotted for his historic visit.
One needs to bear in mind that Narendra Modi is coming to Kashmir at a time when the local political parties are virtually at loggerheads with ruling BJP over the sensitive issue of Article 370. On the otherhand, With an aim to improve upon its performance in Lok Sabha polls, BJP has decided to launch its ‘Mission 44+’ seats in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections slated for later this year. BJP has decided to start the poll preparations with immediate effect so that the ground is prepared on time for achieving the Mission 44+ seat in Assembly polls. Prime Minister Modi as star campaigner is likely to oversee those efforts and ensure that mission 44 is a reality rather than a paper talk.
BJP has also signaled somewhat tough approach towards pro-freedom polity n Kashmir, will Narendra Modi as Prime Minister offer them a cold shoulder or olive branch on his maiden valley visit remains to be seen.
