Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 24: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today said that while Pakistan was trying to paralyse Kashmir’s economy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remained focused on reviving tourism and driving a major infrastructure push.
Addressing a press conference here, BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur said the Vande Bharat train was an “Eid gift” to the people, intended to accelerate progress in Kashmir.
“The timing of the Vande Bharat is important. After the Pahalgam attack, while Pakistan wanted to paralyse Kashmir’s economy, the Prime Minister launched the express train, sending a message to the people-urging them to come to Kashmir, making travel easier and more affordable,” he said.
Thakur described the Vande Bharat as a “dream train” that will connect the rest of the country with Jammu and Kashmir and boost tourism, horticulture, and agriculture.
“For the first time since Independence, 24 tonnes of cherries reached Mumbai by train in just two days. It has also been committed that more trains will operate during the apple season to support the horticulture sector and ensure timely delivery of produce to markets,” he said.
Commenting on the Centre’s recent announcement of a major infrastructure push in Kashmir, including the approval of projects worth over Rs 10,000 crore, Thakur called it a historic move that fulfills long-pending public demands.
He added that the people of J&K recognize that PM Modi has left no stone unturned for the region’s progress and development.
“Article 370 was the biggest hurdle in J&K’s development. After its abrogation, the region has received major projects, peace, and progress,” he said.
Thakur criticised “one-man parties” for allegedly trying to take credit for the development push.
“Those who have failed to do justice to their own constituencies are now trying to take credit for the Karnah Tunnel. If left to them, they would even claim to have brought the Vande Bharat train to Kashmir. But they must know that the credit goes to the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, and the BJP’s J&K unit,” he said.
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