Salient Points of Bharatiya Janata Party Senior Leader And Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah's Address During the Release of ‘Sankalp Patra’ For the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Election 2024
Building a peaceful, secure, developed and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir is BJP's resolve
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Jammu and Kashmir has transitioned from 'Maximum Terrorism' to 'Maximum Tourism' under the Modi government
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Era of the Modi government will be remembered as a golden chapter in the history of Jammu and Kashmir
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As long as the BJP exists, no one can touch the reservation for Gujjars, Bakarwals, and Paharis in Jammu and Kashmir
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Congress silently supports the JKNC agenda, but the BJP will never allow the reinstatement of Article 370
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The Modi government is dedicated to the total elimination of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir
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The Modi government has put peace, development and social justice into practice on the ground in Jammu and Kashmir
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Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah released the Bharatiya Janata Party's manifesto for the upcoming assembly elections at the Anutham Hotel in Jammu, on Friday. He highlighted the development work done by the Modi government in Jammu and Kashmir over the past 10 years. Shri Shah stated that the removal of Article 370 has brought unprecedented changes to the lives of the people in Jammu and Kashmir and that the BJP government will further accelerate this development journey. During the event, Jammu and Kashmir BJP President Shri Ravindra Raina, Union Minister Shri Jitendra Singh, State Election In-Charge Shri G. Kishan Reddy, among other leaders were present.
Shri Shah stated that since the time of independence, the region of Jammu & Kashmir has been extremely significant for the Bharatiya Janata Party. BJP has consistently worked to keep this region integrated with India. From the movement led by Pandit Premnath Dogra to the martyrdom of Shri Syama Prasad Mookerjee, both the Bharatiya Jan Sangh, as it was formerly known, and the Bharatiya Janata Party have fought tirelessly throughout their history. BJP firmly believes that Jammu & Kashmir has always been an integral part of India and will continue to be so without any doubt.
Shri Amit Shah emphasized that until 2014, Jammu & Kashmir was always overshadowed by separatism and terrorism. Various state and non-state actors continuously destabilized the region. Previous governments dealt with Jammu & Kashmir using politics of appeasement. However, the period from 2014 to 2024 will be remembered in history as a golden era for Jammu & Kashmir. The last ten years have been marked by peace, development, and good governance in Jammu & Kashmir. During this decade, the region witnessed a transition from maximum terrorism to maximum tourism. These ten years have paved the way for prosperity and happiness, while also empowering the local culture of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
Union Home Minister Shri Shah stated that there was a time when separatism thrived under the shadow of Article 370. Organizations like Hurriyat and the governments that bowed to them have been witnessed by all. However, today, Article 370 and 35(A) have become a thing of the past and are no longer part of our Constitution. Peace, development, and social justice seen on the ground today are a result of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji's decision to abrogate Article 370 on August 5, 2019. The National Conference's agenda is deeply disappointing, and Congress's silent support for it is equally troubling. But let me make it clear that Article 370 is now history, and it will never return. Article 370 was the chain that pushed the youth of Kashmir towards weapons and stones. The separatist ideology diverted them from the path of development to terrorism. Today, under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, significant progress has been made in changing this narrative.
Shri Shah stated that in the past decade, 59 colleges have been accredited in Jammu and Kashmir, with 30 in the Kashmir region and 29 in the Jammu region. An additional 16,000 student admissions capacity has been added. Under the new education policy, the 'Aao School Chale' campaign has been promoted. Additionally, institutions such as two AIIMS, IITs, IIMs, and others have been established at a cost of ₹6,000 crores for higher education.
Union Home Minister Shri Shah remarked that for 70 years, it was seen that children from Jammu and Kashmir had to leave the region to pursue their education elsewhere in the country. But today, students from all over India are coming to Jammu and Kashmir to study and send a positive message about the region’s situation. In a state facing a revenue deficit, hydropower development has emerged as a key driver for progress, with the government investing nearly ₹22,500 crore in the construction of various hydroelectric projects.
Shri Shah mentioned that several power-generating hydropower projects, such as the 1000 MW Pakal Dul, Shahpur-Kandi Dam irrigation, Ratle hydro scheme, and Kwar hydro scheme, have been set up in Jammu and Kashmir. Once these projects are completed, the region will become a surplus-budget state under Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji's leadership. Along with numerous electricity distribution projects, significant work has also been done to promote peace in the region.
Union Home Minister Shri Shah emphasized that because of Article 370, reservation was not possible in Jammu and Kashmir, causing injustice to women, Dalits, and tribals. The BJP government has taken steps to implement reservations effectively in the region. Now, reservations have been granted to the Scheduled Castes, with a 10% reservation for economically weaker sections and an increase in OBC reservations. The provision of reservations for Gujjars, Bakarwals and Paharis, who previously did not have any, has commenced under Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji's leadership. The National Conference has this agenda and claims they will reconsider reservations. NC Leader Omar Abdullah should understand that the reservations for Gujjars, Bakarwals and Paharis are protected and cannot be altered. This is the BJP's pledge.
Shri Shah stated that previously, democracy in Jammu and Kashmir was confined to just three families, with no elections for panchayats, tehsil panchayats, or district panchayats. The BJP government has revived the Panchayati Raj system by holding elections for gram panchayats, district panchayats, tehsil panchayats, and municipalities, thereby establishing democracy in the region. In the past, forming a government in Jammu and Kashmir often involved only 10% voter turnout, and newspapers would report headlines about double-digit voting. Today, however, a record 98.3% voter turnout was seen in the Block Development Council elections, and 58.47% in the recent Lok Sabha elections. This reflects that the people of both the Valley and Jammu are now fully standing up with democracy.
Union Home Minister Shri Shah stated that Kashmir once echoed with sounds of bombs and gunfire for a long time. However, in the past decade, particularly after the abrogation of Article 370, there has been a profound change in the security landscape. From 2004 to 2014, a total of 7,217 incidents were recorded across Jammu and Kashmir. In contrast, during the tenure of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji from 2014 to 2024, these incidents have decreased by 70% to just 2,272. There has been a 66% reduction in the overall fatality rate and an 80% reduction in civilian deaths. Organized stone-pelting was a common issue, with 2,656 incidents reported in 2010. However, as of August 31, 2023, no such incidents have been reported in the Valley. Additionally, organized strikes, which were previously orchestrated from Pakistan and numbered 132, have now fallen to zero. Previously, stone-pelting incidents resulted in 112 civilian deaths, but this figure has now dropped to zero.
Shri Shah noted that after 30 years, theaters have reopened in the Valley, night shows have resumed, and after 32 years, the Tazia procession was conducted peacefully. Record numbers of pilgrims have visited Jammu and Kashmir for the Amarnath and Vaishno Devi Yatras, bringing about a substantial transformation and growth in the region's tourism. Ensuring strong security in Jammu and Kashmir has been a top priority for the government, leading to the successful prevention of numerous terror attacks in the region. It is surprising to see the election manifesto of the National Conference and even more astonishing that a national party like Congress silently supports it. Rahul Gandhi should clarify whether his Congress party endorses the agenda of its ally, the National Conference, or not.
Union Home Minister Shri Shah indicated that Rahul Gandhi will not provide a response and he is entirely in agreement with the NC's agenda. This agenda includes absolving those involved in stone-pelting, reconsidering the cases of those jailed for terrorism, re-evaluating actions taken against the relatives of terrorists, and reinstating two flags. Does the Congress party agree with these agendas? Do they want to bring back Article 370?
Shri Shah highlighted that the Central government has introduced 300 personal benefit schemes, including full coverage of health expenses up to ₹5 lakh, providing water to every household and ensuring electricity supply to every household, among others. Out of these, 259 schemes are currently being implemented in Jammu and Kashmir. Shri Shah urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to elect the BJP, promising that as the party secures a majority, it will ensure that 100% of these schemes are fully implemented in the region within the next two years. While the Jammu and Kashmir manifesto of the BJP includes several commitments, the foremost pledge is to build a peaceful, secure, developed and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.
Salient Points of Sankalp Patra:
· Under the 'Maa Samman Yojana,' the most senior woman in each household will receive ₹18,000 per month for their livelihood.
· Bank loans taken by women's self-help groups will be forgiven with assistance. Beneficiaries of the Ujjwala Yojana will receive 2 free LPG cylinders every year.
· Under the Pandit Premnath Dogra Employment Scheme in Jammu and Kashmir, 500,000 job opportunities will be created.
· Under the Pragati Education Scheme, college students will receive ₹3,000 annually through DBT as a transportation allowance.
· To enable the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to compete in exams like JKPSC and UPSC, a coaching fee reimbursement of up to ₹10,000 will be provided for two years. Transportation costs to examination centers will be covered.
· Students in higher secondary classes will be provided with laptops or tablets.
· Three regional development boards will be created to enhance economic growth. Rajouri district will see the development of a new, modern tourism city. IT hubs will be established in Jammu and Kashmir, with infrastructure upgrades in Gulmarg and Pahalgam. A pharmaceutical park will be set up in Udhampur.
· An attractive package will be provided to address the issues of 7,000 MSME units in Jammu and Kashmir.
· Under the Atal Housing Scheme, landless beneficiaries will receive a free allocation of 5 marlas of land. Funds for constructing homes will be provided by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. Thus, the poor will receive both land and housing.
· The 'Har Ghar Nal Se Jal' initiative will reach 100% of households. Under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana, an additional subsidy of ₹10,000 per household will be provided by the state, in addition to the central assistance.
· Pensions for elderly, widows, and persons with disabilities will be increased from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000.
· An additional 1,000 new seats will be added for education in the state over the next three years.
· Under the PM Kisan Nidhi scheme, the state will add ₹4,000 to the ₹6,000 provided, totaling ₹10,000 in assistance. Additionally, electricity rates for agricultural activities will be reduced by 50%.
· In adherence to Jammu and Kashmir's reservation policy, priority will be given to Jammu and Kashmir's Agniveers without affecting the general quota.
· 10,000 kilometers of new roads will be constructed, and metro services will soon be introduced in both Jammu and Kashmir.
· The renovation of 1,000 temples that have now become ruins will be undertaken, and arrangements will be made for continuous worship by the Bharatiya Janata Party government.
Shri Shah questioned who is responsible for the 40,000 lives lost to terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir? After the formation of the new government in Jammu and Kashmir, a White Paper will be released to hold accountable those who have supported terrorism. The previous census, which was unjust to certain communities and groups, will be replaced with a free and fair census. Bharatiya Janata Party's biggest promise is to intensify the ongoing fight against terrorism and eradicate it completely.
Union Home Minister Shri Shah congratulated the manifesto committee, stating that a balanced manifesto has been created for the development of both the Valley and Jammu regions. He urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir not to be swayed by the agenda of the National Conference, which is tacitly supported by Rahul Gandhi and the Congress Party. Shri Shah questioned whether the Congress agrees with the National Conference's agenda of reinstating Article 370 and its two flags. This agenda is dangerous. The National Conference aims to re-establish fear in the Valley. Shri Shah asserted that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have decided to reject those aligned with terrorism, emphasizing that only Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and the Bharatiya Janata Party can provide peace, security, and employment. He appealed to the public to support and elect the Bharatiya Janata Party.
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