Political parties intensify preparations in J-K for Assembly polls

Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], September 7 (ANI): Political parties have stepped up their electoral preparedness in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, going to polls in the third week of September.

Polling would be held in three phases starting from September 18, 25, and October 1. The counting of votes will take place on October 8.

The National Conference and the People's Democratic Party have mentioned the restoration of Article 370 in their manifestos. The BJP, on the other hand, said that Article 370 has become a thing of the past.

The upcoming elections are the first polls to be held in the Union Territory after the abrogation of Article 370.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who released the party manifesto in Jammu on Friday, launched a scathing attack on Congress and the National Conference's manifesto on Saturday.

Shah said that they want to spread terrorism, snatch reservations of Gujjars, Bakarwal, Paharis, and Dalits, release criminals, and start LOC trade with Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.

Stating the BJP's 10 agendas for elections, Shah said, "Congress and NC want to bring back two flags, article in Jammu and Kashmir, will you? They want to snatch the reservation of Gujjars, Bakarwal, Paharis, and Dalits. I want to tell one thing to Rahul Gandhi: no matter how much effort you put in, we will not let the reservation of Gujjars, Bakarwal, Paharis, and Dalits be touched. Abrogation of Article 370 has given rights to women, will you let them snatch their rights? They want to release the criminals wrapped up in terrorism, but we won't let them spread terrorism in Jammu, Poonch, Rajouri, and Doda. They say we will re-start LoC trade, but who will benefit from it? There profit will be used in spreading terrorism. They want to talk to Pakistan, but I want to say that till there is no peace, there will be no talks with Pakistan."

In an interview with ANI, NC Vice-President, Omar Abdullah,, said that Article 370 is a long struggle.

"Article 370 and the special status of J&K are part of the National Conference's ideology. It's not something that we will surrender. But it's not something that this assembly will be able to do. A couple of government changes will be needed at the centre before we even begin to address this issue. It took the BJP decades to do this, and we are not foolish to think that we will be able to undo it in 5 years. It's a long struggle. It's an issue that we believe is important to keep alive," he said.

The National Conference and the Congress have forged a pre-poll alliance ahead of the polls.

There are a total number of 90 assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, out of which 7 seats are reserved for SCs and 9 seats are reserved for STs.

According to the Election Commission of India, Jammu and Kashmir has 88.06 lakh eligible electors.

In the previous Assembly elections, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) won 28 seats, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 25, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) won 15, and the Congress won 12.(ANI)