BJP Gears Up for Jammu and Kashmir Elections with Inclusive Manifesto

BJP candidate Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali campaigns in Pir Panjal Range. Union Minister Jitendra Singh lauds BJP's inclusive manifesto for Jammu and Kashmir elections, aligning with PM Modi’s vision of 'Developed India'. Manifesto focuses on women, youth, Kashmiri Pandits, and promises financial support for youth coaching.

BJP candidate Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali campaigned across Pir Panjal Range's remote hilly areas on Thursday, aiming to secure the Budhal Assembly Constituency seat. Jammu and Kashmir will hold its elections in three phases from September 18 to October 1, with counting on October 4.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh praised the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) 'inclusive' manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir elections. Singh noted that the manifesto aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a 'Vikshit Bharat' (Developed India). 'As PM Modi has said, to develop a Viksit Bharat, women and every citizen must play an equal role. An inclusive 'Sankalpa Patra' has been announced,' confirmed Singh. He further emphasized that BJP has pledged financial support for youth coaching, ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000, to ensure no young individual is left behind due to economic constraints. 'I believe this is why everyone will elect BJP's MLA to strengthen PM Modi,' added the Union Minister.

On the topic of Article 370, Singh stated, 'I am sure the people of Kashmir will not support leaders who want to bring back Article 370, especially after Modi ji has set India on a path of development.' The BJP manifesto elaborates on 25 promises, focusing on various sections including women, youth, Kashmiri Pandits, temple restoration, and combating terrorism. BJP JK chief Ravinder Raina described the manifesto as a 'people's manifesto,' underscoring its focus on women-led development. Among the promises is the 'Maa Samman Yojana,' aimed at providing Rs 18,000 annually to the senior-most woman in every household. There are also pledges for assisting Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with bank loan interest.

Jammu and Kashmir have 90 Assembly constituencies with 7 reserved for SCs and 9 for STs. The Election Commission of India lists 88.06 lakh eligible voters. In the previous Assembly elections, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) won 28 seats, BJP secured 25, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) won 15, and Congress took 12.(ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)