Amit Shah launches BJP’s poll campaign in Jammu and Kashmir, releases party’s manifesto
- In Reports
- 06:14 PM, Sep 06, 2024
- Myind Staff
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday launched the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. Titled "Sankalp Patra 2024," the manifesto was unveiled at a ceremony in Jammu, where Shah highlighted the impact of the abrogation of Article 370, calling it a historic decision by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that has led to peace, progress, and social justice in the region. The BJP’s vision is to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a leader in national development by eradicating terrorism and separatism.
"Since Independence, Jammu & Kashmir has been important for our party. We have always tried to keep this land intact with India," Shah said. He criticised previous governments for their "appeasement policies," which, according to him, allowed separatism and terrorism to take root in the state until 2014. "Whenever the history of J&K is written, these ten years after 2014 will be marked as a golden period for the state," he stated.
Shah categorically ruled out any return of Article 370, which granted special status to J&K until it was revoked in 2019. "Article 370 is history, it will never return, and we won't let it happen. Article 370 gave weapons and stones to the youth," Shah said. He also praised leaders like Pandit Prem Nath Dogra and Syama Prasad Mookerjee for their efforts in integrating J&K with India.
The manifesto outlined a series of welfare measures aimed at different sections of society. It promises a rehabilitation scheme for Kashmiri Pandits and includes the ‘Ma Samman Yojana,’ which will provide Rs 18,000 annually to the eldest woman in every household. Additionally, women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will receive government support for interest-free bank loans, and beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana will be entitled to two free LPG cylinders each year.
The BJP aims to generate 5 lakh jobs in the region under the Pandit Prem Nath Dogra Rozgar Yojana (PPNDRY). To support students, the ‘Pragati Shiksha Yojana’ will offer ₹3,000 per year as a travel allowance for college students, along with reimbursements for coaching fees up to ₹10,000 over two years. Students will also receive support for travel to examination centres, while those in remote areas will be provided with tablets or laptops to enhance their educational experience.
Tourism and infrastructure are key components of the manifesto, with plans to develop Dal Lake in Srinagar as a world-class tourist destination, promote water sports, and create an amusement park at Tattoo Ground in Srinagar. Jammu will see the establishment of an IT hub as part of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Furthermore, the party intends to address issues faced by 7,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), ensuring better access to land and public utilities. Landless beneficiaries will receive 5 marlas of land under the Atal Awas Yojana.
For public welfare, the BJP promises a scheme to relieve consumers of outstanding electricity and water bills. Pensions for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, widows, and people with disabilities will be tripled from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000. The Ayushman Bharat Sehat Scheme will see its coverage increased by an additional ₹2 lakh per family, and 1,000 new seats will be added to existing and upcoming government medical colleges.
Farmers in Jammu and Kashmir are a focus of the manifesto as well, with the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi payout being raised to ₹10,000, which includes an extra ₹4,000 over the current amount. Electricity tariffs for agricultural activities will be reduced by up to 50% to support farming operations. The BJP also promises reservation in promotion for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in government services, along with a 20% job quota for Agniveers in government jobs and police recruitment, while maintaining the Jammu-Kashmir reservation policy.
Addressing long-standing employee grievances, the party has pledged to resolve issues faced by contractual and daily wage workers. On the infrastructure front, the BJP plans to construct 10,000 km of new rural roads to connect remote villages and expedite metro projects in Jammu and Srinagar to boost urban connectivity.
The BJP’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage includes the restoration of 100 ruined temples, such as the Shankaracharya Temple, Raghunath Temple, and Martand Sun Temple, with active participation from religious organisations.
The manifesto also outlines measures to address illegal settlements of Rohingya and Bangladeshi migrants in Jammu and Kashmir, while expediting the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, West Pakistan refugees, and displaced communities like Valmikis and Gorkhas. The party also aims to ensure that displaced persons from the Jammu division receive the same benefits and protections as those from Kashmir.
BJP further promises to release a white paper on terrorism and ensure accountability for victims of violence. Additionally, the party guarantees a free and fair census, unlike previous exercises.
This comprehensive manifesto reflects BJP’s focus on ensuring development, security, and social welfare in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the assembly elections.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced that Jammu & Kashmir will hold its elections in three phases, on September 18, 25, and October 1, with results to be declared on October 8. The Union Territory has 90 assembly constituencies, with 7 seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and 9 for Scheduled Tribes (STs).
Image source: PTI
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