The National Conference (NC) on Monday released its manifesto for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The document was released during a press meet by party vice-president Omar Abdullah in the presence of senior leaders, including members of its manifesto committee. Restoration of Article 370 and Jammu and Kashmir's statehood as well as implementation of the autonomy resolution passed by the erstwhile assembly in 2000 are among the National Conference's 12 guarantees announced in its manifesto for the upcoming polls. The manifesto makes 12 broad promises, including striving for the full implementation of the Autonomy Resolution passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly in 2000.
Omar Abdullah releases party's manifesto
At a press conference, Omar Abdullah unveiled the party's manifesto, emphasising that it contains only promises that the party can realistically deliver. He described the manifesto as more than just a list of pledges, calling it the NC's vision document and a comprehensive roadmap for governance. Abdullah underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in their approach, presenting the manifesto as a strategic plan for the party's future direction and commitment to the people.
What NC's manifesto promises?
"We strive to restore (Articles) 370-35A, and statehood as prior to August 5, 2019," the NC poll document said. In the interim period, "we will endeavour to redraw the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, and the Transaction of Business of the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Rules, 2019", it said. The manifesto promises that the Jammu and Kashmir assembly, in its first list of business after elections, will pass a resolution against the Centre's decision to strip the region of its statehood and special status.
Centre abrogated Article 370 in 2019
In June 2000, the National Conference government under Farooq Abdullah passed a resolution in the Assembly seeking to restore the pre-1953 constitutional position in the state. It was, however, rejected by the Union Cabinet headed by then Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee. The Narendra Modi-led central government abrogated Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, in 2019 and bifurcated the erstwhile state into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
J-K Assembly polls 2024
The Election Commission of India on Friday announced the schedule for upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Polling to elect 90 members of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly will take place in three phases. The elections will be held on September 18, September 25 and October 1. The results of the polls will be announced on October 4. It will be the first election in the valley since provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution were abrogated and the erstwhile state divided into two Union Territories in 2019.
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