The manifesto, presented by NC Vice President Omar Abdullah, outlines 12 guarantees for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, with the restoration of Article 370 and 35-A as the primary goals. Abdullah emphasized that the party is committed to reversing the changes brought by the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, and aims to restore the region's statehood. Additionally, the NC promises to address issues such as unemployment, social welfare, and the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits.
Reddy, however, firmly rejected the NC's stance, asserting that the revocation of Article 370 is a settled issue and that there is no question of reversing it. He criticized the NC for making promises that he believes are impractical and misleading to the public. The Union Minister’s response reflects the central government's unwavering position on the matter, despite ongoing demands from various regional parties to revisit the decision.
The upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled for September 18, are set to be a critical event, as they will be the first since the region's special status was revoked. The NC’s manifesto has sparked significant political debate, with many questioning the feasibility of the promises made by the party, especially regarding Article 370.
As political tensions rise in the region, the central government's stance remains unchanged, with leaders like Reddy reiterating that the restoration of Article 370 is not on the table. The elections are expected to be closely watched, with the NC's campaign focusing heavily on issues of regional autonomy and statehood, while the central government continues to emphasize the benefits of the changes implemented in 2019.