People have given their verdict in this Lok Sabha election and once again posed faith in the leadership of Prime Minister Narender Modi. The saffron party got three seats in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and a huge mandate from the rest of the country. Since nationalism is one of the most promoted issues of BJP in this election, people have chosen unity over the divisive politics of opposition. J&K remained an important issue in the entire political discourse during the election. This thumping victory has now given the mandate to BJP to fulfill its promises. The major poll promises that BJP has to fulfill in J&K are:

 

 

 

• Abrogation of Article 35A: BJP in its 2019 party manifesto mentioned that “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. We will take all steps to ensure a safe and peaceful environment for all residents of the state”. Though the Kashmir, the smallest part of the entire state of J&K, based political parties are opposing tinkering with Article 35A yet one cannot overlook the fact that Article 35A is unconstitutional and discriminatory. It was added in the Constitution of India through a presidential order though he was not having such overwhelming power. Also, it gave legal sanction to oppress Dalits, Women, West Pakistan Refugees (WPRs) and Gorkhas in J&K in clear contravention to the fundamental rights conferred by the Constitution of India. This provision even proved hinderance in the development of the state. This provision is challenged in the Apex Court and the J&K High Court. Now, the BJP must strike down Article 35A.

 

 

 

• Strike off Article 370: BJP has opposed Article 370 since the time of Jan Sangh and advocated for its abrogation. This provision was opposed by Praja Parishad and it became a national issue because of the support of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. Both Hindus and Muslims took part in the movement of Praja Parishad and vehemently demanded to stop the anti-national activities of Sheikh Abdullah and abrogation of Article 370. Still, this provision is there in the Constitution of India and many developmental laws and policies are not being implemented in the state. This has adversely affected the people living in the state of J&K.

 

 

 

• Ensuring safe return of Kashmiri Pandits in valley: Kashmiri Pandits were forced to flee from Kashmir valley in 1990s when the terrorism was at its peak and a clear threat to their life was issued by Islamic fundamentalists. Since then no progressive steps were taken to ensure the safe return of Kashmiri Pandits back to Kashmir valley. But BJP, in its party manifesto, clearly stated that they will ensure the safe return of Kashmiri Pandits.

 

• Assistance to WPR, POJK displaced people: The West Pakistan Refugees (WPR) is that lot of people, who had migrated to J&K during partition. Though their counterpart in any other parts of India prospered and mainstreamed yet they have not been able to integrate within J&K. Their condition has remained poor because of sheer ignorance of central and state governments. Pakistan invaded J&K in 1947 and illegally occupied a large of land. This invasion forced lakhs of Hindus and Sikhs to run away from their homes to safeguard their life. These were identified as Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) displaced people, who are facing a lot many hardships in the state of J&K. BJP has assured in its manifesto that assistance will be provided to them.