Arun Jasrotia
Udhampur, (TDD) -Union Minister Nitin Gadkari addressed a public meeting at Ghordi Bus Stand in Jammu and Kashmir, campaigning for Balwant Singh Mankotia, the BJP candidate from Chenani Constituency Udhampur district.
During his speech, Gadkari highlighted the poor condition of roads he observed while traveling to the venue. He reminisced about his time as the PWD Minister in Mumbai when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister. Gadkari mentioned his role in developing the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and how Vajpayee tasked him with creating a plan to connect India’s villages, which led to the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
He emphasized that Vajpayee was responsible for connecting nearly 4 lakh out of 6.5 lakh villages in India through road networks. Gadkari also discussed a bridge project he had approved for the area under the NHAI and expressed his desire to develop the country under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership by improving roads, bridges, and telecommunications infrastructure. He concluded by stating that such developments would boost industry, create jobs, and alleviate poverty.
The minister outlined the BJP government’s commitment to development under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, focusing on building quality roads, bridges, and telecommunication towers. Gadkari stressed that improved infrastructure would boost tourism, industry, and employment opportunities, ultimately alleviating poverty in the region.
Highlighting ongoing projects in Jammu and Kashmir, Gadkari mentioned a ₹2 lakh crore investment in the region. He also announced plans for an intermodal railway station at Vaishno Devi Katra With helipad , Restaurants , expected to generate employment for 5,000 youth.
Gadkari criticized previous governments for neglecting development and making empty promises. He pledged to introduce more electric vehicles in Jammu and Kashmir if the BJP forms the government, citing the recent discovery of lithium deposits in Reasi.
The minister concluded by urging voters to support the BJP’s “double engine” government, promising accelerated development in Jammu and Kashmir. He also referenced the abrogation of Article 370, stating that it has given new rights and freedom to the people of the region.(TDD)
