Nishikant Khajuria
JAMMU, Nov 16: As canvassing for the State Assembly elections has gained momentum and only a few days are left for polling in the first phase, all eyes are set on the major political parties’ manifestos, which are likely to be released very soon.
According to the sources in political circles, draft manifesto of National Conference, People’s Democratic Party, Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress are almost ready and likely to be made public by November 20 while Panthers Party has also finalized the outlines of proposed manifesto though it may take around a week’s time for release of the same.
According to the sources, main thrust of PDP in its election manifesto may be on good governance while the National Conference is going to promise equitable development of all three regions of the State with special emphasis on rehabilitation of flood victims. However, the emotional slogan of Self Rule by PDP and Greater Autonomy by National Conference, are unlikely to get prominence in the election manifestos of these two major Valley based political parties, sources added.
On the other hand, Congress party is all set to vouch for the creation of regional and sub-regional councils besides separate Finance Commissions for Jammu and Kashmir provinces, sources hint adding that notwithstanding the reservation of some Valley based BJP leaders and candidates against abrogation of Article 370, the saffron party is likely to advocate revision of this clause in the Constitution of India, which gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir State.
While Bahujan Samaj Party will not release any formal manifesto for the Assembly elections, Jammu Kashmir National Panthers Party will advocate for trifurcation of the State and separate Statehood to Jammu region for permanent solution to all the problems and issues, sources informed.
BJP manifesto may be released by the national president Amit Shah, who is visiting Jammu on November 19 even as the date has not yet been finalized, sources informed the Excelsior.
While the party’s view point is already clear on each and every issue, including permanent settlement of refugees, return of Kashmiri migrants to Kashmir valley, equitable development of all three regions of the State, etc, BJP in its manifesto will promise issuance of Dogra certificates and State citizenship rights to the children of those mothers, who are from Jammu Kashmir but have married outside J&K, sources explained.
However, there will be no mention of Jammu regional council, which used to remain one of the most favorite slogans of BJP in past, sources added.
On the other hand, Congress is all set to pitch for creation of regional and sub-regional councils for Jammu, Poonch-Rajouri, Chenab Valley and North Kashmir, comprising Bandipora, Kupwara and Baramulla etc. Besides, demand for separate Finance Commission for Jammu and Kashmir divisions, reservation to Pahari speaking people in Government jobs and permanent settlement of PoK refugees will get prominence in Congress promises in election manifesto, sources said.
Pertinent to mention that creation of regional and sub-regional councils were promised by the Congress in its 2002 poll agenda but the same was deleted in the party manifesto for 2008 elections.
AICC general secretary and Incharge J&K affairs Ambika Soni along with PCC chief Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz and former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad are likely to release the Congress manifesto on November 19, sources informed.
Follow our WhatsApp channel