Has BJP shifted its gears or is it a strategic move before the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024? Has the party which has created a narrative around nationalism and made terrorism coupled with Hindutva the plank for its politics, changed its stand? Political experts are confused after the saffron party known for its stand on Pakistan and Hindu-Muslim relationship came out with populist promises in its election manifesto.
BJP To Distribute ‘Revdi’?
The party that earlier slammed political parties for doling out freebies as ‘revdi’ and criticized them for encouraging ‘revdi culture’ has come out with promises of giving Rs.18,000 to each married woman under ‘Maa Samman Yojana’. It promised a 50% cut in the electricity tariff, promised 5 lakh jobs under Pandit Premnath Dogra Rozgar Yojana and Rs. 10,000 to each aspirant of UPSC and JKPSC, besides conveyance to examination centers. The BJP also promised to construct 10,000 km of rural roads.
BJP Announces Populist Schemes
Besides giving two LPG cylinders free to each of the beneficiaries of the Ujjwala Gas Yojana, the BJP also promised to raise the Kisan Nidhi from Rs 6,000 to Rs 10,000 annually and Ayushman Bharat limit from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7 lakh. The saffron party also promised to set up three Regional Boards in Jammu, allot 20% reservation for Agniveers in Government and police jobs and add 1000 seats to Medical Colleges.
BJP Going Soft On Old Issues?
Though the saffron party did not completely abandon its stand on terrorism and separatist movement in the state, it talked about its favourite issues in the ‘Sankalp Patra’. The party mentioned in a passing way about ‘Ek Vidhaan, Ek Nishaan, Ek Pradhaan’, and said that ‘after years of struggle and sacrifices’ ‘we have fully integrated Jammu & Kashmir with the rest of India’.
The BJP manifesto said, ‘Today, the barriers of separation, discrimination and exploitation have been demolished in Jammu and Kashmir. New people-friendly initiatives are shaping the socio-political landscape.’
The saffron party said that ‘terrorism, separatism and nepotism have been firmly addressed, ensuring development, peace and prosperity for all citizens regardless of caste, color, faith, region or gender.’
BJP Not Flogging Pakistan, Terrorism
Another issue that has shocked the political pundits of the state is why has the BJP not attacked Pakistan while launching its poll manifesto, called ‘Sankalp Patra’? The party that always slams Pakistan for its interference in Jammu and Kashmir and holds it responsible for terrorism, is tightlipped on the issue.
Article 370 For Pan-India Connect?
Political experts believe the saffron party has achieved its main electoral plank of abrogation of Article 370. Secondly, the abolition of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir has a special pan-India emotional connection, with little impact on J&K itself. Most of the Hindus of Jammu and Kashmir may not be very happy with the abrogation of the contentious article, but it sent very strong signals to the rest of the country.
BJP Consolidate Position In Jammu-Kashmir
Experts believe, that now the BJP wants to attract the people of Jammu and Kashmir with populist schemes and win as many seats as possible outside the Jammu region and deep inside the Kashmir Valley.
Political observers believe the saffron party did not whip the issue of terrorism aggressively as it wants to make inroad deep into the valley.
