Why did BJP mention temples in its Sankalp Patra? What is its significance in J&K election

J&K Election 2024 / Why did BJP mention temples in its Sankalp Patra? What is its significance in J&K election

J&K Election 2024 - Why did BJP mention temples in its Sankalp Patra? What is its significance in J&K election

J&K Election 2024: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday released its manifesto for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, which includes 25 key guarantees. These include the release of a white paper, accountability for victims of terrorism, and the promise of restoring 100 temples in Kashmir, which have attracted special attention. These promises are aimed not only at influencing voters, but also at bringing about a significant change in the political and social landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.

Key features of the manifesto

The BJP's manifesto talks about the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, creation of 5 lakh jobs, and a campaign for a solution to Rohingya and Bangladeshi settlements. This includes setting up an IT hub in the form of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), pharmaceutical park in Udhampur, and Ayush Herbal Park in Kishtwar. Issues related to women, youth, and the elderly have also been given prominence, such as providing tablets and laptops to students, and increasing old age pension.

Importance of restoration of temples

The BJP has promised to restore 100 temples in Kashmir, including the Shankaracharya Temple, Raghunath Temple, and Martand Sun Temple. The party believes that this initiative is an important step to preserve religious and spiritual heritage. In the last few years, the government has also shown interest in the revival of temples, and the BJP has tried to capitalize on religious sentiments by including it in its manifesto.

Demography and electoral scenario of Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir has 68.80% Muslims and 28.80% Hindus in the total population, while the Kashmir Valley has 96% Muslims and Jammu division has 66% Hindu population. The BJP is mainly focused on Jammu division, where the issue of temples can make it popular among local Hindu voters. The promise of restoration of temples in the manifesto can benefit the party in Jammu division, especially in the context of the controversial manifesto of the National Conference.

Temples issue and potential gains for BJP

The recent renaming of historical sites by the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference has led to some resentment among the Hindu community. BJP's promise to restore temples could turn this resentment in its favour and strengthen its position in the Jammu division. Though BJP's influence in the Kashmir Valley has been limited, it would be a big bonus if the party performs well there.

Thus, BJP's Sankalp Patra could play a key role in the electoral scenario of Jammu and Kashmir, especially through the promise of restoration of temples which addresses religious and cultural sensitivities. It remains to be seen how big a deal the party is able to make of this issue and how much impact it has on the electoral results.