The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday released its manifesto for the upcoming state Assembly elections.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah released the document while Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina -- who has been fielded from Nowshera -- and other party leaders were present at the event.
Notably, the Union Territory will go to polls in three phases - on September 18, 25 and October 1. The counting of votes is scheduled to take place on October 8.
J&K Will Remain A Part Of India: Amit Shah
Speaking at the event, Shah said that the valley has been very important for the BJP since independence, adding that the party has since then made efforts to keep the region connected with India.
"From Pandit Premnath Dogra to the martyrdom of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee... this entire struggle was carried forward first by the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and then by the Bharatiya Janata Party," the Union Home Minister said.
Because our party believes, he said, that Jammu and Kashmir "has always been and will remain a part of India".
Hitting out at the pre-NDA government era, Shah said that the shadow of terrorism and separatism always prevailed over Jammu and Kashmir. "These always destabilized Jammu and Kashmir and all the governments dealt with Jammu and Kashmir with the politics of appeasement," he added.
Shah said that 10 years of the NDA government -- 2014 to 2024 -- have been of peace and development and of good governance for Jammu and Kashmir.
"In these 10 years, this state has shifted from maximum terrorism to maximum tourism," Shah noted.
Shah said that the abolishment of Article 370, Prime Minister Narendra Modi' "historic decision", has led to peace, progress and social justice.
He then took a swipe at the National Conference and Congress, saying that the grand old party "silently supports the agenda" of the former.
"I would like to make it clear that the Article is a history, and it will not be restored," Shah sternly reiterated the Centre's stance, terming the Article to be reason behind youths of the valley being pushed towards violence.
Shah urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to give these five years to the Bharatiya Janata Party, saying the party will ensure the development of the Union Territory.
BJP J&K Manifesto | KEY POINTS
By wiping out terrorism and separatism, we will make Jammu and Kashmir a leader in development and progress in the nation. “We will publish a white paper and ensure accountability for all victims of terrorism, for this we will: fast track cases, bring justice to the victims and ensure rule of law in the region."
The senior-most woman in every household will receive Rs 18,000 yearly. Additionally Ujjwala beneficiaries will get two free LPG cylinders every year.
Promise of five lakh employment opportunities, which will be created through Pandit Prem Nath Dogra Rozgar Yojana.
For civil service aspirants -- JKPSC and UPSC -- coaching fees of Rs 10,000 will be provided for two years. Travel costs and one-time application fee will be reimbursed.
Under 'Pragati Shiksha Yojana', Rs 3,000 per year will be given as travel allowance for college students.
Laptops will be given to higher secondary school students in remote areas of the Union Territory.
To ensure the safe return and rehabilitation of the Kashmiri Pandit community, the BJP will launch the ‘Tika Lal Taploo Visthapit Samaj Punarvas Yojana’ (TLTVSPY).
“We will undertake the reconstruction of Hindu temples and shrines under Rishi Kashyapa Pilgrimage Rejuvenation Drive. We will restore 100 ruined temples and further develop existing temples, including the Shankaracharya Temple, Raghunath Temple, and Marthanda Sun Temple, with the active participation of religious and spiritual organizations,” the BJP said.
Jammu and Kashmir's economy will be boosted by setting up regional development boards in Jammu, expanding tourism in the valley, opening new amusement park at Srinagar's Tattoo Ground, and establishing industries for growth and jobs.
As many as 7,000 MSMEs will benefit from new policy, including regularisation of lease deed and grievance redressal.
Under Atal Awas Yojana, free-allotment of 5 Marlas will be done for the landless.
Welfare for the poor under Garib Kalyan through relief from electricity and water dues, 'Har Ghar Nal Se Jal' and Rs 10,000 subsidy for solar rooftop under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
Tripling the pension amount for old-age, widow and disability, from Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000.
Health insurance coverage under Ayushman Bharat Sehat. Additional coverage of Rs 2 lakhs will be provided above the existing Rs 5 lakhs.
