The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched its comprehensive 25-point manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah leading the announcement.
Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah emphasized the BJP’s historical commitment to Jammu and Kashmir, recalling the efforts of Pandit Prem Nath Dogra and Syama Prasad Mookerjee in integrating the region with India. Shah highlighted the BJP’s belief that Jammu and Kashmir has always been and will remain an integral part of India.
“Since Independence, the issue of Jammu and Kashmir has been crucial for our party. We have always strived to maintain this region within India,” Shah said. He criticized previous governments for their “appeasement politics” and asserted that the period between 2014 and 2024 will be remembered for its significant achievements.
The manifesto promises a range of initiatives if the BJP is elected. Key highlights include:
- Financial Assistance: ₹18,000 annually to the eldest woman in each family under the ‘Maa Samman Yojana’. Additionally, two free cylinders per year under the Ujjwala scheme and ₹3,000 yearly for college students as a travel allowance under the Pragati Shiksha Yojana.
- Terrorism and Security: A firm commitment to completely eradicate terrorism from the region, including bringing out a white paper to fix responsibility for the rise of terrorism.
- Economic Development: Establishment of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for IT in Jammu City, an amusement park in Srinagar, and the development of Gulmarg and Pahalgam as modern tourist destinations. The manifesto also includes plans to model the Tawi Riverfront in Jammu after Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Riverfront and promote water sports around Dal Lake.
- Support for Local Businesses: Addressing issues for small traders and MSMEs related to land access, utility services, and lease deeds. Relief measures include addressing outstanding electricity and water bills, free electricity under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, and improved drinking water access through the ‘Har Ghar Nal Se Jal’ scheme.
- Welfare Measures: Tripling pensions for the elderly, widows, and disabled from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000. Expanding the Ayushman Bharat Sehat Scheme by an additional ₹2 lakhs and adding 1,000 new medical seats in government colleges.
- Support for Farmers: Increasing the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi payout by ₹4,000, reducing electricity tariffs for agricultural activities by up to 50%, and building 10,000 kilometres of new rural roads under the ‘Har Tunnel Tez Pahal’ Yojana.
- Rehabilitation and Support: Rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits under the Tika Lal Taploo Visthapit Samaj Punarvas Yojana and support for refugees from Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (POJK) as well as neglected groups like the Valmiki and Gorkha communities.
- Illegal Settlements: A concerted effort to remove illegal Rohingya and Bangladeshi settlements from Jammu and Kashmir.
As Jammu and Kashmir gears up for Assembly elections, BJP’s ambitious manifesto outlines a clear vision for the region’s future development and security.
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