Virtually launching the party’s campaign for 2014 elections, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today talked about the need to “heal the wounds” of Kashmiris and connect its aspiring youths with the national mainstream for the development of the state.
Often described by critics as a divisive figure, Modi sought to portray himself as a leader who unifies, saying he would work for bringing parties and hearts together.
Addressing a rally here, Modi invoked former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and said the task he left incomplete would be pursued by BJP if voted to power.
He attacked the UPA government over its Kashmir policy, economy and national security, saying it has failed on all fronts.
“Vajpayee had sought to win over the heart of Kashmir with compassion, love and dialogue...Had he been elected to power in 2004, he would have succeeded in his Kashmir policy,” he said.
Kashmiri youths were aspiring for development and progress and they needed to be connected with the national mainstream.
“The youths in Kashmir valley want to be part of development. Guns can spill blood but will do no good to one’s life,” he said on the occasion of party founder Shyama Prasad Mookerjee’s 60th death anniversary.
He said, “Atal Bihari Vajpayee played a great role in addressing the Kashmir issue...If NDA would have formed the government in 2004, the Kashmir issue would have been resolved. Kashmiri Pandits would have got justice. Youth of J&K would have been employed and the state would have seen development.”