Srinagar: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released its comprehensive manifesto, “Sankalp Patra,” for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. Home Minister Amit Shah, currently on a two-day visit to Srinagar, unveiled the manifesto during a press conference, where he also launched a scathing attack on the National Conference.
Amit Shah’s Bold Statements on Article 370
Amit Shah accused the National Conference of covertly supporting the Congress on the issue of Article 370, which granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir. He emphatically stated that Article 370 is now a thing of the past and assured that it will never be reinstated.
Promises to the People of Jammu and Kashmir
The manifesto outlines several promises aimed at improving the lives of the people in the region:
- Ujjwala Yojana: Beneficiaries will receive two free LPG cylinders annually.
- Education: Tablets and laptops will be provided to 10th-grade students.
- Land for the Landless: Five marlas of free land will be given to landless individuals.
- Maa Samman Yojana: The senior-most woman in every household will receive ₹18,000 annually.
- Women Self-Help Groups: Assistance will be provided for interest on bank loans.
- Employment: Five lakh jobs will be created under the PPNDRY scheme.
- Pragati Shiksha Yojana: College students will receive ₹3,000 annually for transport allowance.
- Civil Services Coaching: JKPSC-UPSC candidates will get ₹10,000 annually for coaching fees for two years.
- Regional Development: A regional development board will be established in Jammu.
- Industrial Growth: New industries will be set up to boost the economy.
- Tourism: Efforts will be made to promote tourism in Jammu, Dal Lake, and Kashmir.
Amit Shah’s Vision for Jammu and Kashmir
Amit Shah reiterated the BJP’s stance against Article 370, claiming it was a barrier to development and a catalyst for terrorism. He highlighted the historical significance of Jammu and Kashmir to the BJP, tracing the party’s efforts to integrate the region with India from the time of independence. Shah paid tribute to leaders like Pandit Premnath Dogra and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, emphasizing that Jammu and Kashmir has always been, and will always remain, an integral part of India.
