BJP Unveils Ambitious Manifesto for Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections

Union Home Minister Amit Shah released BJP's manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, focusing on women, youth, Kashmiri Pandits, and anti-terrorism. The manifesto promises development initiatives, employment opportunities, reduced tariffs, and rehabilitation schemes for displaced communities.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday unveiled the Bharatiya Janata Party's manifesto for the forthcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. The manifesto, containing 25 key promises, emphasizes development for women, youth, Kashmiri Pandits, the restoration of temples, and the eradication of terrorism.

BJP J-K chief Ravinder Raina termed the manifesto a 'people's manifesto,' highlighting promises like the 'Maa Samman Yojana' to provide Rs 18,000 per year to the senior most woman in each household, and assistance for women SHGs on bank loan interest issues.

For the youth, the manifesto pledges to create 5 lakh jobs through the Pandit Prem Nath Dogra Rozgar Yojana (PPNDRY) and allocate Rs 3,000 annually as travel allowance to college students under the 'Pragati Shiksha Yojana'. The BJP also promises to distribute laptops and cover coaching fees and travel costs for competitive exams.

A detailed rehabilitation scheme for Kashmiri Pandits, involving property restitution or compensation, is also proposed. Shah emphasized the goal of completing the rehabilitation of 6,000 people. Additionally, an extra Rs 4,000 will be provided under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.

The manifesto includes plans for reducing electricity tariffs for agricultural activities by up to 50%, reconstructing Hindu temples, reserving 20% of government jobs for Agniveers, building 10,000 km of rural roads, and expediting metro services in Jammu and Srinagar.

Amit Shah also reiterated that Article 370, which previously granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, is a thing of the past and would not return, underlining its role in fostering separatism and terrorism.

Reactions to the manifesto have been mixed, with PDP General Secretary Mehboob Beg dismissing it as 'another jumla', criticizing the BJP's failure to deliver on past promises, especially regarding employment. In contrast, BJP leaders hailed it for addressing the needs of diverse groups such as daily wagers, home guards, and Anganwadi workers.

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will take place in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, covering 90 constituencies, with 7 reserved for SCs and 9 for STs. This will be the first assembly election since the abrogation of Article 370.

(With inputs from agencies.)