Srinagar: First Elections in 10 Years Set for Jammu & Kashmir Amid Political Battle
For the first time since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Jammu and Kashmir is gearing up for its highly anticipated elections. The polls, set to take place in three phases, mark the first major electoral exercise in the region in a decade. With just seven days left until the first phase of voting on September 18, political parties are pulling out all the stops to capture the attention of voters.
Voters Face a Crucial Choice: Political Parties Vying for Public Trust
The stakes are high as these elections will not only define the future leadership of Jammu and Kashmir but also answer long-standing questions about the political landscape after the removal of its special status. The electorate in the region, with its unique preferences and challenges, has kept political parties on their toes. Each party is racing to win the trust of the people, presenting ambitious promises to improve the lives of residents.
Congress’ Masterstroke: Five Guarantees to Transform Jammu & Kashmir
In a major announcement, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge unveiled a strategic and enticing plan on Wednesday, aimed at swaying voters in the Union Territory. Touted as a “master plan” for the Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance, Kharge introduced ‘Five Guarantees’ that promise sweeping changes in economic and social welfare policies. These guarantees include:
- Interest-Free Loan of ₹5 Lakh for Entrepreneurs: Aimed particularly at empowering women entrepreneurs, Congress promises to provide zero-interest loans, sparking hopes for economic revival.
- Health Insurance of ₹25 Lakh Per Family: An ambitious move that seeks to provide robust healthcare support to every household.
- Monthly ₹3,000 for Female Heads of Families: A move designed to financially uplift families, especially those led by women, further strengthening Congress’s pro-women stance.
- Restoration of 11 Kg Grain Per Person Under PDS: A promise to revive the food security provision, ensuring that the needy receive adequate grain supplies.
- Fulfillment of Commitments to Migrant Kashmiri Pandits and OBC Rights: The Congress also vowed to fulfill past promises made to Kashmiri Pandits and safeguard the rights of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), focusing on social justice.
Kharge Slams BJP-Led Administration: Promises Job Creation and Education Overhaul
Campaigning in South Kashmir’s Anantnag, Kharge sharply criticized the BJP-led administration’s failure to fill one lakh government vacancies in Jammu and Kashmir. He accused the government of keeping the people “deliberately poor” by neglecting job creation and industrial development. Kharge promised to fill these positions, focusing on sectors like tourism and manufacturing, which are crucial for the region’s economic growth.
Kharge also attacked the closure of over 4,400 government schools in recent years, pledging to reopen them and prioritize education as a cornerstone of the Congress agenda. He emphasized that rebuilding the education system will be key to securing a brighter future for the region’s youth.
Congress’ Vision for Jammu & Kashmir: A Return to Statehood and Legislative Power
In addition to economic and social reforms, Kharge committed to restoring Jammu & Kashmir’s statehood, a promise that has been a rallying cry for many in the region. He assured the public that Congress will push for the return of the bicameral legislature, which was dissolved in the aftermath of the Article 370 abrogation. Addressing doubts raised by the BJP, Kharge confidently stated, “When the people are with us, we will restore statehood this is the power of the people.”
Congress’ Fight for Power: Can the ‘Five Guarantees’ Secure Victory?
With the elections just days away, Congress has put forward a compelling and detailed plan that seeks to address the key concerns of Jammu and Kashmir’s citizens. Their “Five Guarantees” promise a brighter future, focusing on economic empowerment, healthcare, education, and the restoration of democratic governance. As political parties intensify their campaigns, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are poised to make a historic choice in a post-Article 370 reality.
The first phase of voting on September 18 will set the stage for a transformative political battle, with the Congress-NC alliance aiming to secure a mandate that could reshape the future of the Union Territory.
