Political promises
The NC had in its manifesto promised the restoration of Article 370 and 35A as prior to August 5, 2019. The party also assured full implementation of the Autonomy Resolution passed by the J&K Assembly in 2000. It also vowed to make efforts to modify, annul, and repeal post-August 5, 2019, laws that impact the special status of J&K. The party also said it would strive to reinstate the state constitution and state flag, preserving its dignity, identity and heritage. The challenge to implement these promises is that they can only happen at the Union Government level. While the NDA government has repeatedly said special status will never be restored, NC’s Autonomy Resolution can fail to see the light of day. In 2002 too, when the Abdullah government passed a resolution seeking the restoration of autonomy in J&K, it never materialised.
Freebies
The NC in its manifesto said that after being elected to power, it would provide one lakh jobs to youth. The party also claimed to provide 200 units of free electricity. It had also assured to provide 12 cylinders free of cost every year to the EWS and to enhance the old age and widow pension to Rs 3,000. The manifesto also assured hike in free rice allocation to 10 kg per person per month. To fulfil these promises, the NC government will have to figure out how to arrange funds for them. J&K has been facing financial pressure with its total liabilities swelling in the recent past. The financial constraints have led to delay in release of GP Fund payments to the employees, which had even triggered protests.
NC had promised to repeal the Public Safety Act (PSA). The party claimed it will prioritise the release of political prisoners who were unjustly detained in jails and not involved in serious crimes. It also promised to ensure that passport verification procedures were simplified. Fulfilling these promises could bring the new government at loggerheads with the security and law enforcement agencies. Also, the home department is directly under the control of J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and the Centre said they would not release any prisoner.
Other promises
The NC also pledged to resume the Darbar move. It also said the party will strive to revive LoC trade and explore possibilities for opening additional routes. While the Darbar move can be reinstated by the new government, it could face challenges in LOC trade.
