J&K finds mention in manifestos of other states

Despite being a small state having just six seats in the Parliament, Jammu and Kashmir and its issues find place in the election manifestos of not only the national parties but even regional players from other states.

From the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) to the Congress and Left to non-NDA and non-UPA parties, every political party has promised an innovative federal solution to Kashmir problem.

In its election manifesto, the Congress party has promised that it will not allow any change in J&K’s constitutional position, saying that it “acknowledges the unique history of the state and the unique circumstances under which the state acceded to India that led to the inclusion of Article 370 in the Constitution of India.”

The Congress has also promised to reduce footprints of the army and central paramilitary forces in Kashmir and also it has promised to review the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), to ‘win the hearts and minds’ of the people in the state.

The Congress has also proposed to hold unconditional dialogue with different stakeholders in the state for finding an honourable solution to their issues. Besides, Congress has promised to appoint non-political interlocutors to facilitate talks. The party manifesto also states that free and fair elections to the state Legislative Assembly would be held immediately If the Congress comes to power in Delhi.

On the other hand, the right-wing BJP in its manifesto has reiterated that it is committed to abrogate Article 370. For the first time, annulment of Article 35A also finds a place in the manifesto of the saffron party.

“We are committed to annulling Article 35A of the Constitution of India as the provision is discriminatory against non-permanent residents and women of Jammu and Kashmir. We believe that Article 35A is an obstacle in the development of the state,” the manifesto reads.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) in its manifesto has called for urgently initiating a political process in the State through a dialogue/talks with all concerned parties. It has promised maximum autonomy to the state and regional autonomy for Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions

The CPM has also promised that it will oppose all attempts to remove or review Article 35A and a number of measures including ban on use of pellet guns and other lethal weapons on protesters and complete withdrawal of AFSPA.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) of Mamata Banerjee talks about the restoration of peace in Kashmir with the nation’s consent.

Akhilesh Yadav led Samajwadi Party in its election document says it will focus on humane approaches within the constitutional framework to strengthen Kashmir’s relationship with the Union.