SRINAGAR – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially released its manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, marking a significant political statement with its firm stance on the abrogation of Article 370 and a comprehensive development agenda for the region.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during the manifesto launch in Jammu, emphasized that “Article 370 is now part of history and will never return,” signaling BJP’s unwavering commitment to the decision made in August 2019 to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. This move, according to Shah, was pivotal in ending an era of terrorism and fostering peace and progress in the region.
The manifesto, titled “BJP J&K Sankalp Patra,” outlines 25 resolutions aimed at transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a beacon of development and prosperity. Key highlights include:
- No Restoration of Article 370: The BJP’s manifesto categorically rules out any possibility of restoring Article 370, aligning with the party’s long-standing position that its abrogation was essential for national integration and development.
- Development Over Terrorism: A significant focus is placed on eradicating terrorism and promoting tourism. The BJP promises to issue a white paper on terrorism, ensuring accountability and justice for victims, alongside initiatives to boost tourism, which has seen a remarkable increase in recent years.
- Empowerment and Rehabilitation: The manifesto pledges financial empowerment for women, job creation, and the rehabilitation of various communities, including Kashmiri Pandits, refugees, and internally displaced groups.
- Cultural and Religious Restoration: There’s a commitment to restore and develop religious sites, particularly Hindu temples, which Shah described as part of the region’s cultural heritage.
- Reservation Policies: BJP aims to protect and possibly expand reservation policies for marginalized communities, countering any moves by opposition parties to revise these post-Article 370.
Amit Shah’s speech also touched on the BJP’s achievements, highlighting the reduction in stone-pelting incidents, the return of normalcy with the reopening of cinemas, and the significant increase in voter turnout as signs of the region’s progress under BJP’s governance.
The manifesto’s release comes at a crucial time, with the elections set to be held in three phases starting September 18. This document not only serves as BJP’s blueprint for governance in Jammu and Kashmir but also as a political statement against its rivals, particularly the National Conference (NC) and Congress, which have promised to review the post-Article 370 status quo if elected.
Political analysts observe that BJP’s clear-cut manifesto might appeal to voters who prioritize development and security over the restoration of special status, reflecting a shift in regional political dynamics post-2019. The BJP’s strategy seems to be banking on the sentiment that development and integration with the rest of India are more beneficial than the previous autonomy under Article 370.
As the election campaign intensifies, BJP’s manifesto sets the stage for a contest not just on governance but on the very identity and future direction of Jammu and Kashmir within India.
