The campaign for 24 seats in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will end today. The first phase of voting will take place on September 18. The main contestants are BJP, Congress-National Conference Alliance, and PDP. Several regional parties and independents also seek to make an impact. Let's see what each party has promised in their manifestos for Jammu and Kashmir.
Congress and National Conference have formed an alliance for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. Congress will field candidates in 32 seats while National Conference will contest 51 seats. There will be friendly fights in five constituencies - Banihal, Doda, Bhaderwah, Nagrota, and Sopore.
BJP's 25 Promises to the Public
10 days ago, BJP released its manifesto for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. It includes 25 promises focusing on women, youth, Kashmiri Pandits, and the eradication of terrorism. Promises include financial aid for women, employment opportunities for youth, rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, reduction in electricity rates for farmers, and infrastructure development. Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that Article 370 is a thing of the past and will not return. The state's status will be restored without any ambiguity.
BJP's 25 Promises in Detail
According to BJP's manifesto, Rs 18,000 annually will be given to the oldest woman in every household under the 'Maa Samman Yojana'. BJP has promised to assist women self-help groups with interest on bank loans via the state government. Under the 'Pandit Prem Nath Dogra Employment Scheme', BJP has promised to create 500,000 jobs for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. The 'Pragati Shiksha Yojana' has been announced for students, where college students will receive an annual travel allowance of Rs 3,000. It aims to make education more accessible in remote areas.
BJP also promised reimbursement for laptops and coaching fees for students preparing for competitive exams like JKPSC and UPSC. They vow to provide travel costs reimbursement along with Rs 10,000 for two years for students sitting in competitive exams. For farmers, there's a proposal to reduce electricity bills by up to 50%, making the operation of irrigation pumps and agricultural machinery simpler and more affordable.
Congress' 7 Guarantees...
For the Jammu and Kashmir elections, Congress has provided seven guarantees. These include respect for women, the right to health, the right of OBCs, the right of Kashmiri Pandits, the right to employment, statehood rights, and the right to food grains. Local leaders stated that Congress' manifesto is ready and will be announced two days before the first phase of elections. The manifesto will not be based on empty promises, and implementation will be ensured.
National Conference's 12 Guarantees
National Conference
released its manifesto on August 20. It includes 12 guarantees such as the restoration of Article 370, statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, and the implementation of the autonomy resolution passed by the former assembly in 2000. The manifesto promises amnesty for all political prisoners and the honorable return of Kashmiri Pandits to the valley. Other promises include relief from power and water crises, 200 units of free electricity, transfer of hydroelectric projects to Jammu and Kashmir, and 12 free LPG cylinders per year for economically weaker sections.
PDP's Promises in Their Manifesto
On August 24, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti released her party's manifesto in Srinagar. She promised 200 units of free electricity if they come to power. The old pension scheme will be implemented, the recruitment process will be expedited, honoraria for contractual teachers will be increased, and free legal aid will be provided to prisoners. Temples, mosques, and gurdwaras will be given free electricity, and efforts will be made to lift the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami and return their properties.
Mehbooba Mufti stated that her party intends to open a route to the Sharda Peeth Hindu pilgrimage site in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. She also called for resuming cross-LoC trade with Pakistan, which was suspended by India in 2019 following the nullification of Article 370. Mehbooba emphasized the importance of reconciliation and dialogue, advocating for connections between people across the LoC and the opening of access to the Sharda Peeth shrine for Kashmiri Pandits. She urged the Home Minister to resume cross-LoC trade.
Read the full manifesto...
Voting for the 90 assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir will take place in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1. The results will be announced on October 8. This is the first assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to the region. In 2019, Jammu and Kashmir were split into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Currently, Manoj Kumar Sinha is the Lieutenant Governor.
