BJP campaigns in Pir Panjal range as Jammu and Kashmir braces for upcoming elections

Pir Panjal , Sept 12: BJP candidate Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali campaigned in the remote Pir Panjal Range's hilly areas on Thursday for the Budhal Assembly Constituency seat.

Jammu and Kashmir will go to the polls in three phases, starting September 18 and ending October 1, with counting set for October 4.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh praised the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir elections, describing it as 'inclusive.' Singh highlighted that the manifesto aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a 'Vikshit Bharat' (Developed India).

"As PM Modi has said, to develop a Viksit Bharat, women and every citizen must play an equal role. An inclusive 'Sankalpa Patra' has been announced," Singh said.

Singh also underlined that the BJP has promised financial support for youth coaching, ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000, to ensure no young person is left behind due to economic constraints. "I believe this is why everyone will elect BJP's MLA to strengthen PM Modi," the Union Minister added.

Addressing the opposition's stance on reinstating Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, Singh said, "I am sure the people of Kashmir will not support leaders who want to bring back Article 370, especially after Modi ji has set India on a path of development." The BJP's manifesto includes 25 promises focusing on women, youth, Kashmiri Pandits, temple restoration, and combating terrorism.

BJP JK chief Ravinder Raina called the manifesto a 'people's manifesto,' noting its focus on women-led development.

The party promises to implement the 'Maa Samman Yojana,' providing Rs 18,000 annually to the senior-most woman in every household. Additionally, it plans to offer assistance to Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) regarding bank loan interest.

Jammu and Kashmir has 90 Assembly constituencies, with 7 reserved for SCs and 9 for STs. The Election Commission of India lists 88.06 lakh eligible voters.

In the last Assembly elections, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) won 28 seats, BJP secured 25, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) won 15, and Congress took 12.