PM Modi accuses J-K politicians of corruption, emotional blackmailing

Asserting that corruption, looting and emotional blackmailing has become a habit of politicians in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the ruling and the opposition parties here are critical of him as he has foiled their strategy to loot the state .

Prime Minister Modi, who was addressing a rally in Udhampur ahead of the second phase of assembly elections in the state, said the progress of Jammu and Kashmir was stalled 30 years back.

"Corruption, looting and emotional blackmailing have become the habit of politicians of this state. The successive governments here have looted the state," he added.

Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the main purpose of his frequent visits to the state is development.

"Earlier, it used to be a big thing when the country's Prime Minister paid a visit to Jammu and Kashmir. There has hardly been any Prime Minister who has visited Jammu and Kashmir every month. I have come here every month. I came in July, then in August, in September, in October and now I have come in the month of November. I will come even in December. I have come every time for the state's development," he added.

Asserting that Jammu and Kashmir will receive all help from the Centre, the Prime Minister said it has to be made sure that the funds sanctioned reach the respective areas and are properly utilized.

"We have decided there should be no shortage of help to Jammu and Kashmir. We will also make sure where this money is going. This is the reason those in Jammu and Kashmir government and those in opposition are criticizing me because I have stopped their strategy to loot ," he added.

The Prime Minister also appreciated the high voter turnout in first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections.

The polling in Jammu and Kashmir began on Tuesday with a record turnout of nearly 72 percent.

The electioneering for the second phase of polling, scheduled to be held on December 2, is in full swing with the leaders of various political parties making all out efforts to woo the voters.

The results will be declared on December 23.