It is official now that BJP has decided to contest the Assembly Elections with full vigour and energy in Jammu and Kashmir. It is banking on the neutralisation of Article 370 and 35 A that brought the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir at par with other states and union territories. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has released the BJP’s Election Manifesto(Sankalp Patra) on Friday in Jammu. On releasing the manifesto of his party, he has sent a clear signal that Article 370 is history now. Making his party’s stance clear on neutralisation of Article 370 he said, “I want to tell the nation that Article 370 is history now. It is not part of the Constitution anymore. It will never return and we will not allow it to happen. This is the Article that gave weapons and stones in the hands of the youth and facilitated them to tread the path of terrorism.” This line is clearly reflected in the manifesto where ample focus has been laid on the rejuvenation of the tourist spots and religious heritage in both Jammu and Kashmir regions. Party promises to evolve Jammu and Kashmir as the premier destination. The influx of a record number of tourists in this season has given confidence to the party that its policies meant to boost the economy through tourism have paid rich dividends. As its multiplier effect has generated new employment avenues. He also questioned the Congress policy on Article 370 that it is silently supporting the National Conference Manifesto that talks about the restoration of this Article. He has asked the Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to clarify whether he supports the National Conference Agenda. After the release of the BJP Election Manifesto(Sankalp Patra 2024),one thing is clear that the parties are divided on the issue of Article 370.BJP that neutralised the Article 370 and 35 A is banking on the mainstreaming of Jammu and Kashmir with India on the one hand. But the regional parties like National Conference and People’s Democratic Party (PDP besides other local parties are contesting the elections on the restoration of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Now it has to be seen what will be the trend of the voters. Will they uphold the mainstreaming of Jammu and Kashmir after the political reorganisation that led to creation of two union territories or will they choose the regional parties that are interested in local issues and upholding the special status ?many developments have taken place after reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir that has led to change in political dynamics. A new class of politicians and political activists have emerged who have multiple interests keeping in view the emerging situation with centre monitoring the law and order strictly. Amit Shah as Home Minister has been conscious about the law and order situation and restoring normalcy by crushing terror modules. BJP’s Election manifesto has underlined the policy measures that the party will implement once it assumes the power. Besides focussing on defeating terrorism and giving priority to tourism, the BJP manifesto assures about the rehabilitation of the internally displaced Kashmiri Pandits, POJK Refugees and the rights of the West Pakistan Refugees. The manifesto has tried to address various sections of the society that includes the women and students with various schemes meant for these groups. Only time will tell how the electorate will vote and choose the new Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir. The contest is tough. As both regions-Jammu and Kashmir have different approaches to the resolution of their issues. If any party wants to form the next government in Jammu and Kashmir then it will have to walk on the razor’s edge and manage to gather a sufficient number of seats in both regions. Doing well in one region and performing below expectation in another won’t help the parties to form a government with simple majority
