LS polls: BJP promises eliminating Article 370 and Article 35A in its manifesto

The BJP manifesto says that Article 35A is an “obstacle to the development of the state and hence needs to go”.

New Delhi: Three days ahead of Lok Sabha elections, and three days after Congress’ manifesto, Bharatiya Janyta Party on Monday released its party’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ where it promised to eliminate Article 370 of the Constitution, which gives autonomous status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The party manifesto also talks about nullifying Article 35A of the Constitution of India, which provides special rights and privileges to the permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP manifesto says that Article 35A is an “obstacle to the development of the state and hence needs to go”. It says, "We are committed to annulling Article 35A of the Constitution of India as the provision is discriminatory against non-permanent residents and women of Jammu and Kashmir. We believe that Article 35A is an obstacle in the development of the state. We will take all steps to ensure a safe and peaceful environment for all residents of the state." "In the last five years, we have made all necessary efforts to ensure peace in Jammu and Kashmir through decisive actions and a firm policy. We are committed to overcome all obstacles that come in the way of development and provide adequate financial resources to all the regions of the state. We reiterate our position, since the time of the Jan Sangh, to the abrogation of Article 370" BJP manifesto reads. The manifesto further promises that the government will provide financial help to the Kashmiri Pundits who had to flee their homes in 1990s, so that they can return back to their houses. "We will make all efforts to ensure the safe return of Kashmiri Pandits and we will provide financial assistance for the resettlement of refugees from West Pakistan, Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) and Chhamb" Manifesto reads.