Kashmir furiously debates Modi's rise and rise

For those living in the Hindu-majority Jammu region, Modi represents a change for the better. People in Jammu speak of him as somebody who has no great legacy to defend, unless he creates one or leaves it behind.

"He will definitely ensure that corruption, mis-governance and nepotism are checked," said a Jammu government official who did not want to be quoted by name.

"He will have to bring down the prices of essentials of life because that has been the main plank of his election campaign," added the official.

Jammu city receives hundreds of pilgrims daily who come to visit the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. Each year millions of devotees reach Jammu en route to the shrine.

"We expect more pilgrims to visit Jammu and Katra if peace prevails in the state. We somehow feel Modi would be a strong prime minister who would not handle separatism with kid gloves," said Harpreet Singh, 28, a vocal Modi supporter in Jammu.