In a significant move to checkmate the Congress, the BJP has released manifesto promising to abrogate Article 370 and 35A from the Constitution, if voted to power, which enables Jammu & Kashmir not accessible to others to invest in that state.
It claimed that during last five, it has initiated all needed efforts to ensure peace in Jammu and Kashmir through decision actions and firm policy. Yet, to overcome several obstacles due to these two Articles, the state could not be put on development track. “Hence, we decided to promise now to do away with these two Articles from the Constitution, if voted back to power,” the manifesto said.
This was in sharp contrast of the Congress, which in its manifesto had promises to remove special powers to operating in Jammu and Kashmir, remove sedition law against the separatist groups like dreaded Hurriyat, besides promising opening talks with Pakistan.
Interestingly, the BJP had also reiterated in its manifesto that it would deal decisively against all ‘separatists’ forces which were funded by the ‘enemy’ nation Pakistan, resulting in growing terror activities in the state.
It said the party is committed to annulling Article 35A of the Constitution as the provision is discriminatory against non-permanent residents and women of Jammu and Kashmir”. “Hence, it has to go if development needs to be taken up in the state. We are committed to annulling Article 35A of the Constitution of India as the provision is discriminatory against non-permanent residents and women of Jammu and Kashmir.
The BJP manifesto also stated that it will take all steps to ensure a safe and peaceful environment for all residents of the state and ensure the safe return of Kashmiri Pandits, who were forced to leave the valley in 1990s due to eruption of terrorism.