Union Minister G Kishan Reddy dismissed the National Conference’s manifesto for Jammu and Kashmir, stating that promises such as restoring Article 370 are irrelevant because neither Omar Abdullah nor the Congress will come to power in the region. “Omar Abdullah will neither become Chief Minister nor will his party or Congress come to power,” Reddy asserted, emphasizing that the issue of reinstating Article 370 does not arise under the current political scenario.
The National Conference, led by Vice President Omar Abdullah, launched its manifesto ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections scheduled for September 18. The manifesto outlines 12 key guarantees, including the restoration of Article 370 and 35-A, the redrawing of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019, and the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits.
The manifesto’s primary promise is the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s political and legal status to pre-August 5, 2019 conditions. It also includes efforts to challenge the Centre’s decision to revoke the region’s statehood and special status through a resolution in the first assembly session.
Additional guarantees in the manifesto cover the release of political prisoners, simplified job and passport verification processes, and addressing grievances related to unjust terminations and harassment on highways. A comprehensive job package for youth is also promised, addressing rising unemployment in the region.
Omar Abdullah highlighted the unemployment issues post-August 5, 2019, and the failures in recruitment processes, promising significant measures to address these problems. The manifesto also includes provisions for free electricity up to 200 units, improved water and electricity services, financial support for women in the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), and increased widow pensions.
Abdullah criticized opponents for making unrealistic promises and reiterated that his party’s commitments are aimed at genuinely improving conditions in Jammu and Kashmir.