Jammu and Kashmir Elections: BJP unveils poll manifesto, promises complete eradication of terrorism

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unveiled its highly anticipated election manifesto for Jammu and Kashmir, called the Sankalp Patra, on Friday. The manifesto was launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his two-day visit to the region.

During the launch, Shah emphasised the BJP’s long-standing commitment to fully integrating Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India, invoking the legacy of leaders like Pandit Prem Nath Dogra and Syama Prasad Mookerjee. He reiterated the party’s stance that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and will remain so.

Shah declares Article 370 “History” 

Shah asserted that Article 370 is “history” and will not return to the Union Territory. He emphasised that the past decade will be remembered as a golden era for Jammu and Kashmir and urged voters to back his party for continued good governance.

In his address before releasing the BJP manifesto, Shah criticised the National Conference’s agenda, emphasising that Article 370 is no longer part of the Constitution. “This Article only provided weapons and stones to the youth and facilitated their path to terrorism,” he said.

He also assured Omar Abdullah that regardless of the election results, the BJP will protect the reservations granted to Gujjars, Bakerwals and Pahadis.

“I appeal to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to give us a five-year tenure to ensure the development of the region. We will ensure the complete eradication of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The last 10 years saw a golden era of peace, progress and development,” said Amit Shah during the manifesto launch urging the people to vote for the BJP.

Jammu and Kashmir, which consists of 90 assembly constituencies, has 7 seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and 9 for Scheduled Tribes (STs). In the last assembly elections, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) won 28 seats, the BJP secured 25, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) gained 15 seats, and Congress took 12.

The upcoming elections will be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with results set to be declared on October 8. Congress has allied with the National Conference to contest the polls.

(With agency inputs)