BJP’s Manifesto For J&K Assembly Polls: Key Points To Know

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced its poll manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections on Friday, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in attendance.

The event also saw the presence of Jammu & Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina and other senior party leaders.

The manifesto outlines 25 key promises, starting with a commitment to eradicate terrorism and separatism in the state. Other priorities include enhancing women's financial security and self-reliance.

Key promises also include creating five lakh job opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir and providing Rs 3,000 annually through DBT as travel allowance to college students under the 'Pragati Shiksha Yojana'. The party also pledges support for competitive exam preparation and the distribution of tablets/laptops to students in remote areas.

Additionally, the BJP promises to boost the local economy, support small businesses, and increase old age, widow, and disability pensions from Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000. They also aim to expand the Ayushman Bharat Sehat Scheme coverage by Rs 2 lakhs, bringing the total to Rs 7 lakhs for affordable healthcare.

At the manifesto release event, Amit Shah remarked, "Since Independence, the issue of Jammu and Kashmir has been pivotal for our party, and we have always sought to keep this region integrated with India."

He continued, "From Pandit Prem Nath Dogra's efforts to Syama Prasad Mookerjee's sacrifices, this cause was championed first by the Jana Sangh and later by the BJP because we believe Jammu and Kashmir has always been and will remain a part of India."

The Union Home Minister also addressed the ongoing challenges of terrorism and separatism in the region, noting that Jammu and Kashmir faced significant destabilization by various state and non-state actors up until 2014.

"Previous governments engaged in politics of appeasement to address the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. However, the period from 2014 to 2024 will be remembered as a golden era in the history of India and Jammu and Kashmir," Shah stated.

Criticizing the manifesto of the National Conference and the "silent support" from its ally Congress, Shah emphasized that Article 370 is "history, and it will never return under our watch."

He added, "Article 370 was the tool that armed the youth with weapons and stones..."

The BJP has pledged ₹18,000 per year to the eldest woman in each family under the 'Maa Samman Yojana' if they are elected in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Jammu and Kashmir elections are scheduled to be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1.