J-K elections: BJP’s Nirmal Singh criticises NC manifesto as ‘misleading’

Jammu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Nirmal Singh has criticized the National Conference (NC) party’s recently released manifesto, calling it “misleading” and disconnected from reality. Singh argued that the NC’s promises, such as the restoration of Article 370 and initiating talks with Pakistan, are beyond the party’s jurisdiction.

“The National Conference’s promises are unrealistic. They are claiming to change things that are not within their power,” Singh stated, referring to the NC’s pledge to restore Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. “Article 370 has been rejected by the constitutional bench, so this is just to deceive the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”

Singh also dismissed the NC’s promise to hold talks with Pakistan, stating that such matters are the responsibility of the Ministry of External Affairs. “Their claim to initiate talks with Pakistan is another attempt to mislead the people of J&K because only the foreign ministry can decide on such matters,” he added.

Ahead of the Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled to begin on September 18, the National Conference launched its manifesto on Monday, promising 12 guarantees to the people of the Union Territory. The party’s Vice President, Omar Abdullah, presented the manifesto, which includes major promises like restoring Article 370 and 35-A, reinstating statehood, redrawing the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019, and the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits.

The first guarantee in the NC’s manifesto is the restoration of the political and legal status of the Union Territory, with a commitment to restore Article 370-35A and statehood before August 5, 2019. The manifesto also mentions that the party will work to redraw the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, and the Transaction of Business of the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Rules, 2019. Additionally, the party promises to bring a resolution against the Centre’s decision to revoke the region’s statehood and special status in the first assembly session.

The second guarantee includes several promises: the release of political prisoners, the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, a simplified job verification process, easier passport verification, and ending unjust terminations and unnecessary harassment of people on highways.
The third guarantee focuses on providing a comprehensive job package for the youth.

The polling in the Union Territory will be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, according to the Election Commission of India. The vote counting will take place on October 4.