Amit Shah Lists BJP’s 25 Sankalps In J&K Poll Manifesto, Says Won't Go Back On Article 370 Move

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Union Home Minister released the saffron party’s manifesto for the Jammu and Kashmir polls in Srinagar on Friday and said that the reversal of Article 370 abrogation was not possible.

Among the 25 promises made by the party, the first included ‘wiping out terrorism and separatism in the state’, followed by prioritising and enhancing women’s financial security and self-reliance.

The third promise talks about creating five lakh employment opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir and the fourth talks about providing Rs 3,000 yearly through DBT as travel allowance to college students under the ‘Pragati Shiksha Yojana’.

One of the promises also reads, “We will enable the youth of Jammu & Kashmir preparing for competitive exams like JKPSC and UPSC.” Another talks about providing tablets/laptops to students studying in higher secondary

classes in remote areas.

The saffron party also promises to promote and develop the economy in Jammu-Kashmir and support existing businesses and small traders.

Among several other promises,  the BJP has assured to triple the old age, widow and disability pensions from Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000, guaranteeing a life of dignity for the vulnerable groups. They have also ensured affordable healthcare for all by increasing the coverage of Ayushman Bharat Sehat Scheme by an additional Rs 2 lakhs from Rs 5 lakhs.

Ahead of releasing the party’s “Sankalp Patra”, Shah said, “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.”

“Since Independence, the issue of Jammu and Kashmir has remained important for our party, and we’ve always tried to keep this region with India. From Pandit Prem Nath Dogra’s struggle to Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s sacrifice, this struggle was taken forward first by Jana Sangh and then by the BJP because we believe that Jammu and Kashmir has always been a part of India and will remain so,” Shah also said.

Elections in Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled in three phases, which will be conducted on September 18, 25, and October 1.