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Ahead of the PM's visit to Jammu & Kashmir, chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has said that the alliance between the BJP and PDP is very strong and that when Modi speaks at a public rally in Srinagar, it would be the perfect opportunity for him to reiterate his faith in India's diversity and plurality.
The PM has chosen some wonderful young people, chartered accountants, doctors. They are devoted, not corrupt like the Congress. I am more than happy with the alliance, Mufti said.
“The PM doesn't just rely on IB reports. He talks to the RSS, gets feedback from them. He sees that Mufti is serious, that my government is working hard. That's why he's coming. There's no alternative to Modi and I am convinced he too wants to come out of a narrow political position and move towards economic development and political reconciliation,” said Mufti
"I see this visit as an opportunity for history to repeat itself," he said, recalling the address of then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the same venue (Sher-e-Kashmir cricket stadium) during his 2003 visit.
“Way back in 1947, our visionary leaders had demonstrated similar political maturity and acumen to accede with India keeping in view the pluralistic demography of J&K. We will remove the trust deficit and ensure that no region harbours a feeling of deprivation or discrimination," he said.
"I met Narendra Modi a couple of times and realized that he genuinely wants to win the hearts and minds of the people of the state," he added. "I favour opening of more trading and travel points to further bolster confidence between the people living on two sides of the Line of Control," he said.
He said the state's people have great expectations from the visit of Modi, who "is a visionary and has his eyes fixed on overall development". He has a mandate, he is the leader. He is not corrupt, he has credibility.
The BJP is in power for the first time. It's not looting like the Congress. The RSS background makes them do good work, be at the doorsteps of people.
By Premji
