Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda today, marking the first time a sitting PM has visited the region in over four decades.
According to Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) election in-charge for Jammu & Kashmir, G Kishan Reddy, the last prime ministerial visit to Doda was in 1982. “This will be a significant event as it marks the first visit of any Prime Minister to Doda in 42 years,” said Reddy.
PM Modi’s visit comes ahead of the upcoming J&K assembly elections, making this rally a vital part of the BJP’s campaign. Modi, who is the party’s star campaigner, will address the rally at Doda Sports Stadium, his first since the Election Commission announced the assembly elections on August 31. Following the rally, Modi will visit Srinagar on September 19.
Assembly Election in J&K
Jammu & Kashmir will see its assembly elections conducted in three phases—on September 18, September 25, and October 1. The first phase will cover eight assembly constituencies in Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban districts, alongside 16 seats in south Kashmir.
The BJP has fielded Gajay Singh Rana from Doda and Shakti Raj Parihar from Doda West, both key constituencies in the region.
Security on High Alert
Security forces have sounded a high alert across the Doda region, following recent incidents of violence. A gunfight between security forces and terrorists occurred in the Pingnar area of Kishtwar district on Friday, resulting in the deaths of two army personnel and injuries to two others. The heightened security follows several extremist attacks in Jammu this year, claiming the lives of 14 security personnel and 11 civilians.
Defence forces have intensified their efforts to ensure a secure election environment, with recent successful operations neutralizing 10 terrorists.
After addressing the rally in Doda, the Prime Minister will head to Kurukshetra for his first rally ahead of Haryana’s assembly elections, which will be held on October 5. The results for both Jammu & Kashmir and Haryana will be announced on October 8.
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