KATHUA: Terming the ongoing Assembly election as "historic", Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said people of Jammu and Kashmir have shown their faith in Indian democracy by participating in large numbers in the polls which the world is closely watching.
"People of Jammu and Kashmir have shown full faith in the Indian democracy and given a strong message to the world. This has scripted history in independent India.
"This election has become very important for integrity and sovereignty of India. ...They (people of Jammu and Kashmir) have introduced Indian democracy to the world through the massive polling in Jammu and Kashmir elections.
You have done a great work," Modi said. Hitting out at the previous government in New Delhi for all the ills in Jammu and Kashmir, he said "the work which could not been done by governments sitting in New Delhi, you (J&K people) have done it by pressing a simple button of EVM".
Modi said that by pressing the electronic voting machine, people of the state have given a clear message to the world that the EVM is more powerful than the AK-47.
"Several elections, including Lok Sabha polls, have taken place in recent times in which Modi came out victorious. Recently Haryana, Jharkhand, MP elections were held. But in the entire world, the elections in J&K are being discussed."
"Why are only the J&K elections being discussed across the world. What is the reason? The reason is over 70 per cent of polling," he said.
Seeking votes for a majority government of BJP in J&K for overall development in the state, Modi said, "The destiny of Jammu and Kashmir will only change through development. J&K needs schools, roads, water, power and health services. For this we need your support".