Jammu/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday exuded confidence in his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s chances to form the government in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the third and last phase of assembly elections in the union territory.

Addressing a rally in Jammu, the Prime Minister cited the turnout of voters as an indication to the BJP's assumption of power in September-October elections.

"There has been a massive voter turnout in the recent two phases of elections in Jammu and Kashmir. It is certain that the BJP is going to form its first government with an absolute majority in Jammu and Kashmir!"

The Prime Minister added, "The people of Jammu and Kashmir do not want terrorism, separatism, and violence. The people here want peace and prosperity. The people here want a bright future for their children. And to ensure this, people here want the BJP government!"

Like other rallies, the Prime Minister in Jammu on Saturday trained his guns at the Congress, National Conference and People's Democratic Party over the alleged dynasty politics.

Modi said, "For decades, the Congress, NC, and PDP parties have prioritised the interests of their leaders and families, while the people of Jammu and Kashmir have suffered greatly. The Congress party bears significant responsibility for the decline and exploitation of our generations through its flawed policies, indifference, and neglect.

"But I assure you, with the BJP's steadfast commitment towards ensuring prosperity, we will leave no stone unturned to undo the injustice meted out to our people."

Jammu and Kashmir, a union territory, is voting for the first time since 2019 when the special status was withdrawn by the Centre in a historic move.

This is also for the first time the former state is heading for assembly elections in 10 years. The last phase of elections will be held on October 5.

Among the major contenders are the Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party led by Mehbooba Mufti,  the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference of Omar Abdullah, the Bharatiya Janata Party  and the Congress. There are several Independents. Abdul Ghani Lone's People's Conference, Ghulam Nabi Azad's Democratic Progressive Azad Party, and Altaf Bukhari's Apni Party are also in the fray.

The banned Jamaat-e-Islami is also playing a role in the elections. It is supporting Awami Ittehad Party of Engineer Rashid, who stunned everyone by defeating from jail former chief minister Omar Abdullah in the Lok Sabha elections from Baramulla.

In Aug 2019, Rashid was arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on terror funding charges. On Sept 11 this year, he was granted interim bail until Oct 2, allowing him to campaign for the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly election.

The Jammu Kashmir Assembly polls are historic, being held for the first time since the region underwent major changes over the past five years, including the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019.

This led to the conversion of the state to a Union Territory (UT) and its division, with Ladakh becoming a separate UT without a legislature.