J&K elections highlights: Amit Shah releases BJP's manifesto

J&K elections LIVE updates: The BJP made 25 promises in its manifesto for the UT, primarily focusing on wiping out terrorism and separatism from Jammu and Kashmir.

The party has focused on women-led development in Jammu and Kashmir. It promised to Implement 'Maa Samman Yojana' to provide ₹18,000 per year to the senior most woman in every household in Jammu & Kashmir.

It also promised to provide assistance through the state government for Women SHGs on the issue of interest on bank loans. (ANI)

J&K elections LIVE updates: “We will add 1,000 new seats to existing and upcoming government medical colleges,” Amit Shah says.

J&K elections LIVE updates: The BJP promises to provide tablets/laptops to students studying in higher secondary classes in remote areas.

J&K elections LIVE updates: In its manifesto, the BJP promises to create 5 lakh employment opportunities in Jammu & Kashmir through Pandit Prem Nath Dogra Rozgar Yojana (PPNDRY).

“We will provide ₹ 3,000 yearly through DBT as travel allowance to college students under the ‘Pragati Shiksha Yojana’,” it adds.

J&K elections LIVE updates: Union home minster Amit Shah says: "We have decided that we will bring 'Ma Samman Yojana' to give ₹18,000 to the eldest lady of every family, each year... We will give two free cylinders under the Ujjwala scheme, per year. Under Pragati Shiksha Yojana, we will provide ₹3,000 to college students per year, as a travelling allowance..."

J&K elections LIVE updates: Union home minister Amit Shah says that a white paper will be issued to fix the responsibility of those involved in the emergence of terrorism in J&K.

J&K elections LIVE updates: “I want to ask Rahul Gandhi to clarify before the people of the country and Jammu & Kashmir; your silence will not help. Does the Congress party agree with the agenda of the National Conference or not? Please answer with a yes or no,” Amit Shah asks.

J&K elections LIVE updates: “The abolishment of Article 370, the historic decision of PM Modi, has led to peace, progress and social justice. Unfortunately, Congress silently supports the agenda of the NC. However, I would like to make it clear that the Article is a history, and it will not be restored,” Amit Shah says.

“It was due to Article 370 that the youths of Jammu and Kashmir were pushed toward violence,” he adds.

J&K elections LIVE updates: Addressing a gathering at the launch of BJP's manifesto, Union home minister Amit Shah says: “Since Independence, Jammu & Kashmir has been important for our party. We have always tried to keep this land intact with India... Our party believes that J&K has always been part of India and it will remain so. Till 2014, J&K always remain in the shadow of separatism and terrorism. Different state and non-state actors kept the state unstable.”

"All the govt dealt with the state with a policy of appeasement. Whenever the history of J&K will be written, these ten years after 2014 will be marked as a golden period for the state."

J&K elections LIVE updates: Union home minister Amit Shah has released BJP's manifesto for the upcoming state assembly elections.

Jammu & Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina and other party leaders are also present.

J&K elections LIVE updates: Union home minister Amit Shah is shortly going to release the party's manifesto for the upcoming state assembly elections.

Ahead of the release of the BJP poll manifesto in Jammu today, party leader Nirmal Singh tells ANI: "It is a matter of happiness for us that Union Home Minister Amit Shah ji is coming here. This manifesto is to rebuild Jammu & Kashmir...Their (National Conference) manifesto talks about separatism...Congress' manifesto also has not been released. Maybe they will work on their(National Conference) manifesto only. Congress will work like their 'B' team...."

The Union government has mobilised paramilitary forces ahead of the first assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir in a decade, especially against the backdrop of a spurt in terror attacks in the hilly and rugged Jammu region since June.

As many as 60 to 80 terrorists are believed to have infiltrated the Jammu region in March-April this year. Pakistan has sought to push more terrorists prompting security forces to go all out in counter-insurgency operations. Read more.

J&K elections LIVE updates: Ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, the BJP has released its list of star campaigners for the 2nd phase of the polls scheduled for September 25.

The line-up included prominent party leaders such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, and defence minister Rajnath Singh. The list of 40 star campaigners also includes former Amethi MP Smriti Irani. More details.

J&K elections LIVE updates: Before leaving for Jammu, Shah, in a post on X, had said that J&K is witnessing a new era of peace and development under the Modi government.

"The region has transformed from a terrorist hotspot into a tourist hotspot, with an increase in educational and economic activities. Leaving for Jammu on my two-day visit, where I will launch the BJP's Sankalp Patra today and interact with our karyakartas tomorrow in the Karyakarta Sammelan," he wrote.

J&K elections LIVE updates: Elections in Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled in three phases, which will be conducted on September 18, 25, and October 1.

J&K elections LIVE updates: Union Minister Amit Shah will launch the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) manifesto for the upcoming assembly polls on Friday at 3:30 pm in Jammu.