Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed comments on Sunday regarding the vast crowds that gathered at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar to listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 7, attributing the turnout to the Prime Minister's significant popularity.
This popularity, Sinha notes, stems from the tangible improvements in the lives of the residents of Jammu and Kashmir over the past four to five years.
He reassured the nation that the Supreme Court's mandate to hold Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir by 30 September will be adhered to, while also clarifying that the Election Commission of India is tasked with setting the election dates.
In a discussion with a leading news channel, Sinha refuted claims of the crowd being orchestrated, stating, "The rally saw people participating voluntarily, eager to hear the Prime Minister." He elaborated on the event's attendance, "Bakshi Stadium was at its full capacity, necessitating additional seating. Not only was the nearby Indoor Stadium and SKICC filled, but about 10,000 individuals listened from outside the stadium, and another 8,000 could not gain entry."
Sinha expressed regret to those who couldn't find space and mentioned, "The address was also live-streamed in 285 blocks, towns, and various other locations, with the audience watching on large screens, reflecting the people's desire to hear from Narendra Modi, who has significantly bettered their lives in the last four to five years."
Criticizing previous administrations, Sinha remarked, "The past saw young lives lost, many blinded by pellet guns, and young women widowed, scenarios that are now behind us." On the topic of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor assured adherence to the Supreme Court's guidelines, emphasizing that the announcement of election dates falls within the constitutional purview of the Election Commission of India.
Sinha stated, "Those well-versed in the Constitution know the Election Commission of India finalizes election dates. We are committed to implementing the Supreme Court's orders on the ground." He also mentioned the administration's success in earning public trust, with current efforts aimed at bolstering the economy and capital investment in the region.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the government's focus on expanding tourism beyond Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg to other attractions in Jammu and Kashmir, drawing in tourists. He noted, "Last year saw 2.12 crore visitors, a significant increase from 1.88 lakh in 2022."
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