Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Srinagar on Thursday as part of his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir. While addressing the public, PM Modi stated that preparations for Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir have begun. “Woh samay dur nahi jab aap apne vote se Jammu Kashmir ki nayi government chunenge. Woh din bhi jald ayega jab Jammu aur Kashmir phir se rajya ke rup mein apna future aur behtar banayega (That time is not far when you will elect the new government of Jammu and Kashmir with your vote. That day will also come soon when Jammu and Kashmir will again make its future better as a state),” he said.

During his visit, the prime minister will mark this year’s International Day of Yoga on June 21 in Srinagar and inaugurate more than 80 development projects in the Union Territory.

“I was thinking why I’m excited to visit Kashmir. There were two reasons: one was development work and second was the participation of people in the Lok Sabha elections and this is my first meeting with the people of Kashmir after that,” PM Modi said.

The prime minister further said he wanted to come to Kashmir and personally thank the people for their large participation in the elections. “This is a new beginning. I would’ve been happier if our opposition had applauded the people of J&K but the opposition has disappointed us again,” he added.