Despite heavy campaigning, BJP’s unclear timeline on statehood restoration and failure to meet employment expectations from their last term cost them significant votes. Additionally, INC’s promises of swift statehood restoration and a more balanced approach to autonomy and regional development resonated better with the electorate, particularly in Kashmir
Issue
BJP’s Promises
INC’s Promises
Outcome & Impact
Statehood
BJP promised to restore statehood at an “appropriate time” but did not set a clear timeline.
Congress committed to an immediate restoration of statehood, gaining trust in the Valley region.
Voters favored INC’s immediate stance on statehood, viewing BJP’s timeline as vague.
Employment
BJP pledged 5 lakh jobs under the Pandit Prem Nath Dogra Rozgar Yojana.
Congress promised comprehensive employment programs, especially for youth and women.
The lack of visible progress in BJP’s job promises over previous terms hurt their vote.
Article 370
BJP focused on maintaining the abrogation of Article 370, emphasizing “peace and development.”
Congress advocated for discussions on restoring autonomy to some extent without fully reinstating 370.
BJP’s hard stance alienated voters in Kashmir, while Congress gained with a balanced approach.
Security & Terrorism
BJP stressed ongoing counter-insurgency operations and claimed J&K had become a “tourist hotspot.”
Congress emphasised sustainable peacebuilding alongside security efforts, focusing on local communities.
BJP’s focus on terrorism failed to resonate as strongly as expected, especially in non-conflict areas.
Regional Development
BJP highlighted infrastructure projects but faced criticism for uneven development across regions.
Congress promised equitable regional development, addressing disparities between Jammu and Kashmir.
Congress gained ground by addressing long-standing regional grievances.
Key Economic Initiatives
5 lakh jobs under the Pandit Prem Nath Dogra Rozgar Yojana. ₹18,000 annual support to women through ‘Maa Samman Yojana’. Lowering electricity tariffs for agriculture by 50%
Focus on inclusive economic development, increasing investment in education and healthcare, boosting local entrepreneurship.
Education
₹3,000 yearly travel allowance for college students, free laptops to students in remote areas
Improve infrastructure in schools, free coaching for competitive exams, increase higher education seats
Women Empowerment
₹18,000 to the eldest woman in every family annually, support for SHGs
Free education for girls until graduation, special schemes for widows and single mothers
Infrastructure
10,000 km of new rural roads, developing Srinagar as a world-class tourist destination
Extensive road development projects, improving public transportation, and restoring regional infrastructure
Kashmiri Pandits
Rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits through Tika Lal Taploo Visthapit Samaj Punarvas Yojana
Promising safety, security, and rehabilitation but with less emphasis on religious community-specific measures
Freebies
Free LPG cylinders (2 per year), free land for landless beneficiaries, electricity and water bill relief
Free electricity up to 300 units, free water supply for households, and healthcare subsidies
