By Nita Yadav
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The Election Commission has announced the election dates in Jammu and Kashmir. Along with this, the political heat has increased in Jammu and Kashmir. In this series, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah held a press conference, in which he announced the party’s manifesto. The party invited suggestions from the public for preparing the election manifesto and based on those suggestions, it has been prepared. Omar Abdullah said in a press conference that we sought suggestions from the people of every region of the state. We read every suggestion and have incorporated almost all suggestions into this manifesto.
The National Conference announced 12 guarantees in its manifesto, including restoration of Article 370 and statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. In June 2000, the Farooq Abdullah-led National Conference government passed a resolution in the Legislative Assembly demanding the restoration of pre-1953 constitutional status in the state. However, the Union Cabinet headed by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee rejected it.
Announcement of amnesty for prisoners
The National Conference in its manifesto also promised amnesty to all political prisoners and honorable return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley. Other promises made by the party in its election manifesto include 200 units of free electricity, relief from water crisis and 12 free LPG cylinders every year to economically weaker sections. The National Conference has also promised to provide employment to one lakh youth within 180 days of coming to power and to fill all vacancies in government departments.
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Notification to restore Section 370
Releasing the manifesto, Omar Abdullah stressed that the party was only making promises it could fulfill. He termed the manifesto as a roadmap for the party’s governance and said that along with restoration of Article 370 and 35A, we will try to restore the status of the state as it was before August 5, 2019. The National Conference formed a committee under the chairmanship of former Jammu and Kashmir Finance Minister and senior leader Abdul Rahim Rather to prepare the manifesto. The party’s Srinagar MP Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and other senior leaders were also included in the committee.
Elections will be held in three phases
The Election Commission has announced the three-phase elections for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. The first phase will be held on September 18, the second on September 25 and the third on October 1. Meanwhile, the election results will be announced on October 4.
I am Nita Yadav, specializing in writing about politics and breaking national news. My focus is on delivering insightful and timely perspectives on these crucial topics, aiming to inform and engage my readers effectively.
