On September 6, 2024, Union Home Minister Amit Shah released the BJP’s comprehensive 25-point manifesto for Jammu and Kashmir’s first assembly elections in a decade. Shah firmly declared that Article 370, which granted special status to the region, is a historical artifact that will never be reinstated.
“The removal of Article 370 is a settled matter and will not be reversed,” Shah stated unequivocally.
The release of the BJP manifesto comes amid a heated political climate, with the Farooq Abdullah-led National Conference (NC) and Congress coalition pledging to restore Article 370 in their own manifesto. This controversy is a focal point of the upcoming elections, scheduled to occur in three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1.
Shah criticized the NC and Congress alliance for their stance on Article 370, questioning Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s position on the issue. He highlighted that the abrogation of Article 370 has been accompanied by significant improvements in security and reduced terrorism, asserting that the region has seen a 70% drop in terror-related incidents and an 80% decrease in civilian casualties since 2014.
In addition to addressing security concerns, Shah announced a white paper on terrorism to identify and hold accountable those responsible for its rise. He also reaffirmed the BJP’s commitment to maintaining the current reservation policies for Gujjars, Bakerwals, and Pahadis, despite opposition calls for a review.
The BJP’s manifesto includes promises of significant socio-economic initiatives. These include the ‘Maa Samman Yojana,’ which will provide Rs 18,000 annually to the senior-most woman in each household, and the ‘Pandit Prem Nath Dogra Rozgar Yojana’ aimed at creating 500,000 jobs. The party also pledged educational support through the ‘Pragati Shiksha Yojana,’ which will offer Rs 3,000 per year to college students and cover travel and coaching expenses for competitive exams.
Additional commitments in the manifesto include a 20% job quota for Agniveers in J&K government positions, reduced electricity tariffs for farmers, and plans to rebuild nearly 100 Hindu temples. The BJP also aims to improve infrastructure with 10,000 km of new rural roads and expedite metro services in Jammu and Srinagar.
Shah concluded his address by urging voters to support the BJP to ensure continued development and stability in Jammu and Kashmir.
