Kathmandu, August 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Jammu and Kashmir has undergone a major transformation since its reorganisation as a Union Territory in 2019, with Srinagar now attracting such a large number of tourists that visitors may need to book hotels well in advance, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Vice-President Ram Madhav said on Thursday.
Speaking at the NDTV World ‘Anviksha’ Summit in Kathmandu, Madhav said the changes in Jammu and Kashmir over the past seven years had significantly boosted tourism and improved the overall situation.
“If any friends from Nepal plan to visit Srinagar anytime, you better book your hotel rooms at least two months in advance. Otherwise, you may not get rooms. It is now such a popular tourist destination,” he said.
Madhav said Jammu and Kashmir had been transformed following the abrogation of Article 370 and its reorganisation into the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, alongside the creation of the Union Territory of Ladakh, on October 31, 2019.
Recalling the BJP-Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) coalition government that preceded the reorganisation, Madhav said former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had expressed confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government when the alliance was formed.
He quoted Sayeed as telling him, “I’m placing the destiny of my 1.3 million people in the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.”
Madhav said he believed the situation had improved considerably since then. “After 10 years, we’ve bettered the destiny of Jammu and Kashmir. You have a better Jammu and Kashmir today,” he said.
On reports of alleged financial irregularities involving the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Madhav described the matter as a “one-time aberration”.
He said the alleged irregularities were detected by the temple administration itself and not by an outside agency. According to Madhav, the issue involved a small group of around 20-25 people and was addressed after the administration detected the alleged wrongdoing.
He said the temple administration had since taken additional measures, including plans to appoint a Chief Executive Officer to oversee its functioning.
“It was a one-time aberration. Maybe there was some oversight. That oversight was immediately identified and it was plugged immediately,” Madhav said, adding that the temple was now “very-well managed”.
The day-long ‘Anviksha’ Summit focused on Nepal-India relations as well as political, economic and social developments in the region, bringing together leaders, diplomats, business representatives, technology experts, entrepreneurs, athletes and cultural figures from both countries.
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