BJP reaches out to Kashmir Valley via Narendra Modi ad in newspaper

Attempting to make inroads in the Valley, BJP has issued an advertisement in a Kashmiri daily with a photograph of Narendra Modi, highlighting its agenda for development of Muslim community in the state.

The advertisement titled 'Saen Wa'ada Saen Iradae' (our promises, our goals) is the first political message published in Kashmiri language and talks about education, employment and new technology and computers for Madrassas.

"Education for all, employment for all, health for all, safety of all, new technology and computers for Madrassas...everyone together, development for all," the English translation of the message published in Kashmiri daily 'Kaehwat' reads.

Akaash Amin Bhat, the editor of the newspaper, said this was the first time that his daily has received an advertisement in Kashmiri language.

"No other political party has thought of it so far," Bhat said.

The advertisement, however, skips a mention of the BJP's poll plank of abrogating Article 370 that provides special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

It is also silent about the party's stated goal of implementing Uniform Civil Code in the country, which has faced opposition from several Muslim groups and political parties.