Article 370 Will Never Return’: Amit Shah Releases BJP’s J&K Poll Manifesto, Lists 25 Focus Areas
In a significant political move ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) manifesto, titled “Sankalp Patra,” in Srinagar on Friday. The manifesto outlines 25 key promises aimed at addressing the pressing issues of the region and charting a new course for its development. A prominent aspect of Shah’s address was the assertion that Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, will never be reinstated, emphasizing the permanence of its abrogation.
BJP’s Stand on Article 370
Amit Shah’s unequivocal statement regarding Article 370 sets the tone for the BJP’s campaign in Jammu and Kashmir. “Article 370 is part of history and will never come back. The people of the country and the state respect the abrogation of Article 370,” Shah declared. This stance underscores the BJP’s commitment to maintaining the integration of Jammu and Kashmir into the Union of India without any special provisions, a move that has been a central theme in the party’s national agenda.
Key Focus Areas and Promises in the Manifesto
The BJP’s manifesto for the Jammu and Kashmir polls is ambitious, targeting various socio-economic and security challenges in the region. The document lists 25 promises, each designed to address specific needs of the state’s population. Here are some of the key focus areas:
1. Wiping Out Terrorism and Separatism
The first and foremost promise in the manifesto is the eradication of terrorism and separatism from Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP has pledged to intensify efforts to root out terrorist activities and dismantle separatist networks, which have been a long-standing source of unrest in the region. This promise aligns with the party’s broader national security agenda and aims to bring lasting peace and stability to the area.
2. Restoration of Temples and Safe Return of Kashmiri Pandits
Recognizing the cultural and historical significance of temples in the region, the BJP has vowed to restore and protect the sanctity of these religious sites. Additionally, the manifesto promises to facilitate the safe and dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits who were displaced from the region during periods of conflict. This commitment seeks to address the decades-old grievances of the Pandit community and ensure their rightful place in the valley.
3. Enhancing Women’s Financial Security and Self-Reliance
Empowering women is a major theme in the BJP’s manifesto, with specific initiatives aimed at improving their financial security and promoting self-reliance. The party has promised to create targeted schemes to support women entrepreneurs, enhance access to financial resources, and provide vocational training to help women become economically independent.
4. Employment Generation: Creating Five Lakh Jobs
Tackling unemployment is another critical area in the manifesto, with the BJP pledging to create five lakh job opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir. The proposed job creation drive will focus on both the public and private sectors, aiming to leverage the region’s unique strengths in tourism, agriculture, and technology. This initiative is expected to play a crucial role in reducing youth unemployment and boosting the local economy.
5. Support for Students and Educational Reforms
The BJP has also outlined several measures to support students and enhance the educational landscape in Jammu and Kashmir. Under the ‘Pragati Shiksha Yojana,’ the party promises to provide a travel allowance of Rs 3,000 per year through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to college students, easing their commute expenses. Additionally, the manifesto includes plans to provide tablets and laptops to students in higher secondary classes in remote areas, helping bridge the digital divide and ensuring that students have access to modern educational tools.
6. Support for Competitive Exam Aspirants
Acknowledging the aspirations of youth aiming for prestigious positions through competitive exams, the BJP has promised to provide support to candidates preparing for examinations like the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This support will likely include coaching, study materials, and financial assistance, helping students from the region compete on a national level.
7. Economic Development and Business Support
To revitalize the economy of Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP has committed to promoting and developing various sectors, including agriculture, tourism, and small businesses. The manifesto outlines measures to support existing businesses and small traders, aiming to create a more conducive environment for economic growth. This includes easing business regulations, providing financial incentives, and enhancing infrastructure to support commerce and trade.
8. Enhanced Social Security Pensions
Addressing the needs of vulnerable groups, the BJP has pledged to triple the old age, widow, and disability pensions from Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000. This significant increase is intended to provide a more dignified life for these individuals, ensuring that they have the financial support necessary to meet their basic needs.
9. Expansion of Ayushman Bharat Sehat Scheme
Healthcare is a critical area of concern in Jammu and Kashmir, and the BJP has promised to expand the coverage of the Ayushman Bharat Sehat Scheme. The manifesto proposes increasing the coverage amount by an additional Rs 2 lakhs, bringing the total to Rs 7 lakhs per family. This move aims to provide more comprehensive healthcare coverage to the residents of the region, ensuring that more families can access quality medical care without financial strain.
Public and Political Reactions
The release of the manifesto has elicited mixed reactions from political circles and the general public. Supporters of the BJP have hailed the document as a comprehensive and forward-looking plan that addresses the key challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir. They view the promises as a continuation of the central government’s efforts to integrate the region fully into the national fold and to promote peace and development.
Critics, however, have raised questions about the feasibility of some of the promises, particularly the pledge to create five lakh jobs and the commitment to eradicate terrorism completely. Opposition parties have accused the BJP of making grandiose promises that may be difficult to fulfill, given the complex socio-political landscape of the region.
Challenges Ahead
While the manifesto sets out an ambitious vision for the future of Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP will face significant challenges in implementing its promises. The region’s security situation, economic constraints, and political sensitivities will all play a role in determining the success of the party’s agenda. Moreover, the abrogation of Article 370 remains a contentious issue, and the BJP’s stance on its irreversibility may continue to be a polarizing factor in the upcoming elections.
Conclusion
The BJP’s “Sankalp Patra” for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls is a bold declaration of the party’s vision for the region. By focusing on security, economic development, and social welfare, the manifesto seeks to address the multifaceted challenges faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. As the state prepares for the elections, the promises made in this document will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the political discourse and influencing voter decisions.
As Amit Shah has made clear, the BJP views the abrogation of Article 370 as a closed chapter, and the party’s manifesto is a roadmap for moving forward. Whether the promises outlined in the manifesto can be fully realized remains to be seen, but the BJP’s commitment to its vision for Jammu and Kashmir is unequivocal.