"For 60 years they talked about separate state (autonomy) but what did people get? Nothing and there is no accountability also.... In the name of separate state, they encouraged separatism.
"It would have been better if they focused on creating a super state," the BJP Prime Ministerial rally told a rally here.
Noting that there is respect for former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the hearts of people of the state, Modi recalled that he had told them that the mantra of "Insaniyat (humanity), Jammuriyat (democracy), Kashmiriyat" needs to be followed on Jammu and Kashmir.
He further said "they have portrayed such a picture of J&K that it would never be self-relient.... They have labelled Jammu and Kashmir as a beggar but Jammu and Kashmir is not a beggar... They don't want Jammu and Kashmir to be strong. They want it to be a beggar but the state will prove it is a better state and not a beggar state."
"I have come to you to remove this bad name given to J&K. We have to move towards betterment in coming days," he said.
"Why not a road to Kailash is laid through Leh? Nepal is reaping the benefits now. Why can't J&K benefit?"
"J&K had been a popular venue for film shooting. Why didn't the Indian government focus on J&K during the 100th year of Indian cinema. There could be a film institute here. Can't J&K be made an improved state by boosting the tourism and herbal medicine industry?"
"It would have been better had the rulers of J&K had dreamt of creating a super state instead of propagating the politics of separate state-- there is a need of the time to decide whether you need a separate state or a super state", Modi said.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
