Srinagar, August 24: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti unveiled her party’s manifesto today. She promised efforts to restore Articles 370 and 35A, which were related to the special status of the Union Territory. Additionally, she pledged to resume trade with Pakistan.
Mufti stated that if her government is formed, they will repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Public Safety Act (PSA), and the Enemy Act. She also committed to providing 2BHK homes to Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley.
When asked about support from Congress and National Conference, Mufti said that the alliance is being discussed in terms of seat distribution, not the agenda. If both parties accept the PDP’s agenda, the PDP is ready for the alliance. She emphasized that their sole agenda is the resolution of Jammu and Kashmir’s issues.
Update on Congress Candidate List
On August 23, a meeting of the Congress Central Election Committee was held in Delhi, attended by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. According to media reports, Congress has finalized the names of six candidates so far. This meeting took place a day after announcing an alliance with the National Conference. The Congress panel has approved the names for the first phase of elections. Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1. As of now, 14 candidates have filed nominations for the first phase’s 24 seats.
National Conference and Congress Alliance Announcement
National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah announced the alliance with Congress for the assembly elections on August 22. However, there are still some disagreements over certain seats, including Nagarota, Vijaypur, and Habba Kadal. Discussions are ongoing with Congress high command in Delhi regarding these seats.
Security Arrangements for Jammu and Kashmir Elections
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Election Officer PK Poll announced on Saturday that the Ministry of Home Affairs is providing security for conducting elections in the state. Strict security arrangements are being made for political parties, candidates, returning officers, and strong rooms. The preparations are aimed at ensuring a peaceful election.
Dates for Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections
On August 16, the Election Commission announced the dates for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. The elections will be held in three phases for a total of 90 assembly seats. The majority mark is 46. The delimitation report released on May 5, 2022, increased the number of assembly seats in the Jammu division by 6 to 43 and added 1 seat in the Kashmir Valley, totaling 47.
Previous Assembly Elections and President’s Rule
The last assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir were held in 2014, when BJP and PDP formed a coalition government. The coalition broke down in 2018, leading to the imposition of Governor’s Rule, which was later replaced by President’s Rule. During President’s Rule, the 2019 Lok Sabha elections took place, resulting in BJP returning to power at the center with a large majority. On August 5, 2019, the BJP government abrogated Article 370 and divided the state into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.