As Jammu and Kashmir approaches the final phase of polling, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made a striking statement. He claimed that India could have provided Pakistan with a more substantial bailout package than what Islamabad currently seeks from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), had the two nations maintained friendly ties.
Speaking at an election rally in the Gurez assembly segment of Bandipora district on Sunday, Singh emphasized the significant development package that Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced for Jammu and Kashmir in 2014-15. “Modi ji launched a special package worth ₹90,000 crore for Jammu and Kashmir, which far exceeds the amount Pakistan is requesting from the IMF,” Singh stated.
Singh referenced former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s well-known saying: “We can change friends, but we cannot change neighbors.” He questioned the strained relations with Pakistan, saying, “If we had good ties, we would have provided more financial support than the IMF.”
The Defence Minister pointed out that the Indian government actively invests in the development of Jammu and Kashmir, while he accused Pakistan of misusing foreign aid for its own purposes. “Pakistan seeks funds from other countries to operate a terrorism factory on its soil,” he asserted.
Looking ahead, Singh expressed optimism that Kashmir could once again become a “paradise on earth.” He highlighted Vajpayee’s vision of restoring “Insaniyat, Jamhooriyat, and Kashmiriyat” in the region.
Singh also accused Pakistan of using terrorism against India, noting its growing isolation on the global stage. “Even some of Pakistan’s closest allies have stepped back,” he remarked. He pointed out that investigations into terrorist activities consistently trace back to Pakistan, despite India’s ongoing calls for it to dismantle terror camps.
“Our commitment remains strong,” Singh emphasized. “If any attack occurs from Pakistan, we are prepared to respond decisively.” He reiterated that India possesses the strength to counter threats on its own soil, emphasizing the importance of democracy taking root in Kashmir.
As campaigning for the third and final phase of Jammu and Kashmir’s Assembly elections comes to an end, polls are set for October 1. The region, which has not held elections in a decade, already completed two phases on September 18 and 25, with results expected to be announced on October 8.
