Srinagar, Aug 27 (IANS): Jammu and Kashmir's ruling coalition is opportunistic, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Thursday, and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of practising "divisive politics".

Addressing saffron farmers in Pampore in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, Gandhi targeted the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) coalition.

"The UPA government had brought Jammu and Kashmir back on the rails. But the present ruling alliance here is an opportunistic coalition that does not want to help the people or bring back peace," he said.

Gandhi, who is on a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, said his visits to the troubled state make him both happy and sad.

"I am happy because this is the land of my ancestors. And I am sad because you people have suffered a lot over the years," he said, in an obvious reference to the unending separatist campaign in the state.

Gandhi credited the erstwhile Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government of "slowly ushering in peace" in Jammu and Kashmir and for "finishing terrorism".

"We gave Rs.900 crore for self-help groups of women in the state. We got the local youths employed. We held panchayat elections."

He accused the media of not highlighting "good things".

"The media highlights negative points because that makes news. The NDA and the present state government are waiting the gains made during the UPA rule."

Gandhi urged the saffron farmers to "grow better quality and high yielding saffron so that the world knows Kashmir saffron".

Commenting on the violence in Gujarat, the Congress vice president said Prime Minister Modi believed in "divisive politics".

"Modi believes in divisive politics. He believes in ruling the country by dividing it. The UPA believes in uniting the country."