Jammu-Kashmir Election: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday unveiled its manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, outlining 25 guarantees aimed at ensuring accountability, restoring cultural heritage, and boosting development in the Union Territory. The manifesto, which was released by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the first day of his two-day visit to the region, marks the official commencement of the party's election campaign.
Among the key promises, the BJP has pledged to issue a white paper to ensure accountability for all victims of terrorism, stating that they will "fast track cases, bring justice to the victims and ensure rule of law in the region." The manifesto also emphasised the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri migrant Pandits, alongside the restoration of 100 “ruined temples” in the Kashmir Valley.
Shah, while presenting the manifesto prepared by a committee led by former Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, declared, "By wiping out terrorism and separatism, we will make Jammu and Kashmir a leader in development and progress in the nation."
To support the youth, the BJP manifesto guarantees tablets and laptops for students in higher secondary classes in remote areas, Rs 3,000 yearly travel allowance for college students, and assistance for students preparing for competitive exams. Additionally, the party promises to triple old age, widow, and disability pensions from Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000, provide free land to the landless under the Atal Awas Yojana, and reduce electricity tariffs.
For the safe return and rehabilitation of the Kashmiri Pandit community, the party has introduced the ‘Tika Lal Taploo Visthapit Samaj Punarvas Yojana’ (TLTVSPY). The BJP also highlighted its plans to expedite the rehabilitation of West Pakistan refugees, PoJK refugees, and internally neglected communities such as the Valmikis and Gorkhas.
In addition to addressing the issue of illegally-settled Rohingya and Bangladeshi settlements in the Union Territory, the BJP has promised to establish an Information Technology (IT) hub as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Jammu city, a pharmaceutical park in Udhampur, and an AYUSH Herbal park in Kishtwar. The party has also vowed to create a separate lake development authority for Ranjit Sagar Dam to promote tourism.
The manifesto further outlines the BJP’s commitment to supporting existing businesses and small traders, with plans to draft a new policy aimed at addressing the challenges faced by 7,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) units. This includes improving access to land and public utilities.
The BJP manifesto pledges to conduct a “free and fair” census, in contrast to previous efforts, ensuring that proper decision-making is informed by inclusive development and targeted interventions for marginalised communities.
On the cultural front, the party has committed to the reconstruction of Hindu temples and shrines under the ‘Rishi Kashyapa Pilgrimage Rejuvenation Drive,’ aiming to restore 100 ruined temples and further develop existing temples, including the Shankaracharya Temple, Raghunath Temple, and Martand Sun Temple.
In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, the BJP promises to expedite metro services in Jammu and Srinagar, enhance urban mobility, create five lakh employment opportunities, and allocate a 20 per cent quota to Agniveers in Jammu and Kashmir government jobs and police recruitment. The party also plans to implement reduced electricity tariffs, lowered by up to 50 per cent, for agricultural activities, making farming more affordable.
The manifesto also outlines the expansion of medical education with 1,000 new seats in existing and upcoming government medical colleges, addressing grievances of ad hoc, contractual, and daily wage workers, and constructing 10,000 kilometres of new rural roads.
The BJP concluded by reaffirming its vision for Jammu and Kashmir, stating, "After years of struggle and sacrifices for ‘Ek Vidhaan, Ek Nishaan, Ek Pradhaan’, we have fully integrated Jammu & Kashmir with the rest of India." The party also took a swipe at opposition parties, accusing them of practising "politics of deception" and being responsible for the suffering of the general masses.
J&K Polls: ‘Article 370 Is History, It Will Never Return,’ Amit Shah Says
In his address, Shah emphasised the BJP's longstanding commitment to Jammu and Kashmir, stating, "Since Independence, the issue of Jammu and Kashmir has remained important for our party, and we've always tried to keep this region with India. From Pandit Prem Nath Dogra's struggle to Syama Prasad Mookerjee's sacrifice, this struggle was taken forward first by Jana Sangh and then by the BJP because we believe that Jammu and Kashmir has always been a part of India and will remain so."
Shah highlighted the progress made in the region under the BJP's leadership since 2014. "Terrorism and separatism continued in Jammu and Kashmir till 2014, and different state and non-state actors continued to destabilise the region. Besides, all other governments did politics of appeasement to deal with the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. However, whenever the history of India and Jammu and Kashmir is written, the period between 2014 and 2024 will be written in golden words," he remarked.
Taking a swipe at the National Conference (NC) and the Congress, Shah questioned their manifesto for the upcoming elections. "I checked the National Conference's manifesto. I am surprised how can a political party release a manifesto like this, and how come a national party like Congress supported it unconditionally? I urge Rahul Gandhi to clear whether he and Congress support National Conference's agenda," he said.
Shah reiterated the BJP's stance on Article 370, declaring, "Article 370 is history, it will never return, and we won't let it happen. Article 370 was the thing that gave weapons and stones in the hands of the youth."
The manifesto also includes several welfare schemes aimed at the residents of Jammu and Kashmir. Shah announced, "We have decided that we will bring 'Ma Samman Yojana' to give Rs 18,000 to the eldest lady of every family, each year... We will give two free cylinders under the Ujjwala scheme, per year. Under Pragati Shiksha Yojana, we will provide Rs 3,000 to college students per year, as a travelling allowance."
On BJP's manifesto having a rehabilitation scheme for Kashmiri Pandits, Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed, "...The scheme will be very detailed. We will look for complete rehabilitation. Many Kashmiri Pandits and people from the Sikh community who left when the terrorism was at its peak were forced to sell their properties. We have already started working in this regard - either returning their properties or providing the amount for their properties. We are towards the completion of rehabilitation of 6000 people."
The Union Home Minister also stressed the BJP's commitment to eradicating terrorism in the region. "We will ensure complete eradication of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir," he asserted. Additionally, Shah promised a "white paper" to hold those responsible for the emergence of terrorism in the Union Territory accountable.
Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina lauded Shah's efforts in the region, stating, "Union Home Minister worked towards fulfilling PM Modi's sankalp of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas' in Jammu and Kashmir. Under PM Modi's leadership and thanks to the Union Home Minister's efforts, justice has been served to every section of society in Jammu and Kashmir."
Shah's visit comes at a critical time for the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir, as the party faces challenges ahead of the assembly elections. Several leaders and workers have expressed their dissatisfaction after being denied tickets, with a few even quitting the party. To address this, Shah, after the manifesto release, is expected to chair a meeting with BJP leaders and meet with delegations of party workers.
The BJP's campaign launch from Jammu, scheduled for Saturday, is aimed at reassuring the people of the region about the party's commitment to their welfare and development.