![Union Ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and Dr Jitendra Singh addressing a mega public rally at Banoti, Kathua on Sunday. - Excelsior/Pardeep Union Ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and Dr Jitendra Singh addressing a mega public rally at Banoti, Kathua on Sunday. - Excelsior/Pardeep](https://cdndailyexcelsior.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Page1-8-1.jpg)
Modi ensured equitable development of UT: Dr Jitendra
Avtar Bhat
KATHUA, June 18: While Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs and Oil & Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri said that fast industrialisation has taken place in J&K after abrogation of Article 370 by Narendra Modi Government and era of stone pelting is over, Union Minister of Sate in PMO with independent charge of Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh said rising above vote bank politics pursued by opposition parties for decades together, Prime Minister in nine years ensured equitable development of every region of the country.
Puri, while talking to reporters on the sidelines of a rally at Barnoti near here organised by BJP in connection with nine years of Modi Government maintained that the stage of stone pelting is over and rapid industrialisation in J&K is taking place after abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. He said there has been a sea change in the UT since 2019 and it is heralding to a new era of peace and prosperity now.
The security scenario has totally improved in the UT and big industrialists are coming for rapid investment here. This will change entire scenario in J&K, he said, adding he had seen a lot of development in the UT as compared to earlier years.
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Puri said the development in the UT is visible on ground. He, however, said more needs to be done and Government is on the job and assured that Central Government is already supporting the UT administration.
In response to a question about holding of Assembly poll, Puri said that elections will be held in time and at present the Centre is providing good funding to the UT administration for the development.
Accusing opposition parties of exploiting the people for vote bank politics, Union Minister, Dr Jitendra Singh said that rising above vote politics, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has, in the last nine years, ensured equitable development of every region and justice to all.
Addressing a massive public rally, Dr Jitendra Singh said, he has followed the same spirit and sought to emulate the same culture in his Parliamentary constituency of Udhampur-Kathua – Doda and the best example of this is the Keediyan-Gadyal bridge which was constructed at a cost of Rs 150 cr just to cater to one and a half Panchayat who had been demanding it for several decades.
The Minister said, this is the place where Dr Shyama Prasad Mookherjee was arrested before he passed away mysteriously thus laying down his life for integration of Jammu & Kashmir. While Modi vindicated Mukherjee by abrogating Article 370, it is the duty of Karyakartas like us to develop this town of Kathua and the entire constituency with full commitment befitting the legacy of these great leaders, he said.
On the occasion, a Coffee Table Book depicting major projects brought by Dr Jitendra Singh as MP over the last nine years was released by Union Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri who was on Lok Sabha Pravas.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said, the ‘Udhampur-Kathua-Doda’ Parliamentary constituency is the most developed constituency in India among 543 Parliamentary Constituencies in country, has seen tremendous development in the last nine years under PM Narendra Modi.
Dr. Jitendra Singh further said, ‘Udhampur-Doda-Kathua’ Parliamentary constituency is the only constituency in India having three Centrally funded Medical Colleges and the best infrastructure located in this constituency making it the best constituency in India with the state-of-the-art healthcare facilities.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said, this constituency has earned its name in India and in the world as the birthplace of ‘Purple Revolution’ which has given rise to more than 3000 Agri-tech start-ups not only in J&K but across the country. This Parliamentary constituency has all the potential to contribute in theStart-up movement promoted by PM Narendra Modi, Dr. Jitendra Singh added.
Enumerating various infrastructural developments that have taken place from last many years in this constituency, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, the highest railway bridge in the world highest than the Eiffel Tower, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookherjee tunnel, the longest road tunnel in the world, the first highway village in India, the Devika Rejuvenation Project, North India’s first biotech park, National Institute of High Altitude Medicine, 10 iconic destination Reasi are located in this constituency making it an infrastructural marvel in the country.
In terms of road and highway development in this constituency, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, the Vande- Bharat Express from Katra to Delhi, the North India’s first ever Cable-Stayed Bridge Atal Setu, J&K’s first inter-State bridge at Keerian-Gandyal, North India’s first Express Road Corridor from Delhi to Katra via Kathua, the new National Highway from Lakhanpur-Bani-Basohli-Doda via Chattargala Tunnel, construction of more than 200 bridges in this constituency, establishment of Kendriya Vidyalayas, Engineering Colleges under RUSA, Passport Offices made this constituency best ever connected leading to its tremendous development compared to the other constituencies in the country.
Udhampur district located in this constituency has stood number one in the country in terms of construction of roads under PMGSY, Dr. Jitendra Singh added.
He said with the establishment of an Inter Modal Station (IMS) at Katra, a world class state of the art project in this constituency will not only improve the travelling experience of the pilgrims visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine but will open numerous opportunities in terms of employment, trade etc. for the people of this constituency.
Union Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri while addressing the rally highlighted the achievements of Modi Government in last nine years. He said Indian economy has grown fast in these years since 2014 and it is going to touch new strides. He said Modi Government gave free ration to 80 crore people during COVID pandemic, constructed 12 crore toilets all over country, opened Jandhan accounts and ensured free treatment to millions of people under Ayushman Bharat scheme.
He said credit goes to Modi Government which took extra-ordinary steps in bringing Indian students back from war ravaged Ukraine. He said in 2014 there were only 74 airports in the country whose number has touched 148 now and within next five years this number will go to 220, he added.
He, while referring to Kathua -Udhampur-Doda Parliamentary constituency said remarkable development has been made in this entire area and gave all credit for the same to the local MP, Dr Jitendra Singh.
Addressing the rally Social Media incharge Ankit Gupta emphasised the objective of creating awareness among the influence community about the Modi Government’s efforts and accomplishments over the past nine years.
DDC Chairman, Col Mahan Singh, Vice Chairman, Raghunandan Singh, former Minister, Rajeev Jasrotia and ex MLA, Kuldip Raj also spoke on the occasion.