![Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh speaking to media persons outside a polling booth at Jammu on Monday. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh speaking to media persons outside a polling booth at Jammu on Monday.](https://cdndailyexcelsior.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/page3-10.jpg)
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU / NEW DELHI, Oct 8: Expressing satisfaction and congratulating the people of Jammu & Kashmir on the successful outcome of the first phase of polling for local body elections in the State, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said here today, the message is loud and clear that time is running out for such politicians and political groups who had, over the last 20 to 30 years, got used to thrive on militancy, in an atmosphere of vacuum without facing any democratic competition.
Earlier in the day, speaking to media persons while casting his vote at a polling booth in Ward No.53 in Trikuta Nagar, Dr Jitendra Singh said, no force on earth can hold back the people of Jammu & Kashmir who have moved ahead to become a part of New India’s development journey led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The leaders who have been dissuading people from participating in the election process, Dr Jitendra Singh said, are the ones who have, over the last several decades, sought to project their indispensability by intimidating the genuine democratic forces. Nevertheless, however much they may try to thwart this phenomenon, even though unsuccessfully, there is going to be no looking back now, he said.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, the common people, particularly the youth, including those from the Kashmir Valley, have seen through the hypocrisy and duplicity of such leaders who demand “dynastic” autonomy for themselves, but do not support “democratic” autonomy for duly elected local representatives.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, through the ballot box, the youth of Kashmir have reiterated their aspirational urge which is as intense as that of the youth in any other part of the country. He said, the recent trend of Kashmiri youth emerging meritorious in prestigious All-India exams like IAS / Civil Services, IIT-JEE, NEET is an indicator that the youth of Kashmir do not wish to miss out the opportunities unfolding in contemporary India. The substantial turn – out of women voters in Kashmir Valley is an endorsement of Modi’s revolutionary pro- women reforms, he said.