BJP’s manifesto to acknowledge regional divide, Cong may follow

JAMMU: The BJP high command has decided to release three separate manifestos for all the three regions of Jammu and Kashmir for 2019 Parliamentary elections by incorporating issues, demands and other needs of respective regions i.e Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, even as the other national party, Congress is deliberating on a similar move.

The BJP high command, reportedly took the decision in consultation with state unit of the party and on the basis of the internal survey conducted by the party command in all the 3 regions of the state.

“Although, the party will release a national manifesto for 2019 Lok Sabha elections which will also touch upon the major issues of Jammu and Kashmir but the high command has also decided to issue 3 separate manifestos for all the 3 regions of the state by incorporating the local issues and development and other needs of each region as they vary from region to region,” reliable sources in the party told The News Now.

They said that decision was taken keeping in view the different issues and demands of 3 regions of the Jammu and Kashmir.

“Very soon, we will initiate the process to get suggestions and feedback from the people and also our party leaders from all the 3 regions of the state to prepare manifestos,” BJP state general secretary Yudhvir Sethi told The News Now.

The other national party in state—Congress is also expected to make a similar move.

“The Congress party is discussing this matter of releasing separate manifestos for 3 regions of the state for which feedback and suggestions are being sought,” state Congress spokesperson Ravinder Sharma said while adding, “The final decision will be taken soon”.

It may be mentioned that there are 2 Lok Sabha seats in Jammu region i.e Jammu-Poonch and Kathua-Udhampur-Doda seat. These two Parliamentary seats of Jammu region have a total of 37 assembly constituencies.

Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha seat has 20 assembly constituencies, while Kathua-Udhampur-Doda Lok sabha seat has 17 assembly constituencies. Kashmir region has 3 Parliamentary seats and the remaining one seat is Ladakh.

The BJP won 3 seats in Jammu and Kashmir in 2014 Parliamentary elections. It won both seats of Jammu region and the Ladakh seat. The Congress could not open its account in 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The PDP won 3 seats from Kashmir region.

Updated On 3/18/2019 11:23:37 AM