Dr. Jitendra Singh leads Pragati Path Yatra in Kathua
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Union Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Thursday, 18 June 2026, participated in the Pragati Path Yatra held in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, marking twelve years of the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre. The yatra, stretching from Balni to Khilochak Pond, Jasrota, drew large crowds of local residents, BJP office-bearers, and party workers.
Context
Dr. Singh posted on X describing the event as a celebration of 'vishwas, vikas aur jankalyan ke 12 varsh' (twelve years of trust, development, and public welfare) under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The yatra was organised under the hashtag #PragatiPathYatra and #12yearsofSeva, reflecting the BJP's nationwide campaign to mark a dozen years of its rule at the Centre since May 2014.
The route ran through Kathua, a border district in the Jammu division that adjoins Punjab and has historically been a focus of both security and development attention. Jasrota, the endpoint of the yatra, is known for its fort and wildlife sanctuary, areas the government has promoted for heritage tourism.
Policy Backdrop
The Modi government's abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories in August 2019 enabled direct implementation of centrally sponsored schemes in the region. Since then, the Jammu division has seen accelerated infrastructure investment, welfare delivery, and political outreach by the ruling party.
Dr. Singh, who represents a Jammu and Kashmir constituency, has been a consistent face of the BJP's grassroots engagement in the region. Events such as the Pragati Path Yatra fit into a broader pattern of development-themed mobilisation that the party has used to consolidate its presence in the Union Territory after the reorganisation.
Stakeholders and Impact
Residents of Kathua district, including communities along the Balni–Jasrota corridor, are the primary audience for such outreach. BJP karyakartas and office-bearers participated in large numbers, signalling continued organisational activity in the Jammu region.
For the broader Jammu division population, such yatras serve as a platform to highlight welfare scheme delivery, infrastructure progress, and the government's stated commitment to the region's development over the past twelve years.
What's Next
The #12yearsofSeva campaign is expected to see similar events across other districts of Jammu and Kashmir as the BJP continues its grassroots outreach. Observers will watch whether this mobilisation translates into organisational gains ahead of any forthcoming local body or assembly electoral cycles in the Union Territory. Further rollout of centrally sponsored infrastructure projects in border districts like Kathua is also anticipated.