The big ground at Battal in Udhampur, 60 km from Jammu, was packed to capacity with thousands turning up to hear Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ahead of the second phase of polls. Men, women and children, some of whom were attending a political rally for the first time, jostled to get a glimpse of the PM.
While there was enthusiasm all around, some old men and women were more circumspect, saying they had seen dozens of leaders promising them a great deal but delivering nothing.
The Prime Minister spoke about the mental stress that servicemen deployed in the State face and promised to alleviate their suffering. “I have come to J&K to tell all the men in uniform that so far no one has looked out for you, but a new government is coming in the State which will care about your happiness and sorrow,” he said.
He also spoke about his plan to clean up the Devika river. “I have come from the lap of Ganga mata to the feet of Ganga’s elder sister Devika. Now, can it be right that we do good for the younger sister and forget the elder one,” Mr. Modi said.
He addressed another rally in Poonch where he said even though it takes only 24 hours from New Delhi to reach the border district, it took 40 years for a Prime Minister to visit the area.
