The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has unveiled an ambitious and comprehensive manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, pledging to restore the region’s special status, promote dialogue and reconciliation, and address the socio-economic challenges facing the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Party president Mehbooba Mufti emphasized that the “Idea of India”—rooted in democracy, secularism, and modernity—has been under siege since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
She described this event as a “profound assault” on the identity and rights of Jammu Kashmir, accusing the current administration of deepening the divide between Srinagar and New Delhi through unconstitutional means.
Mufti reiterated her party’s commitment to the Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Doctrine, which advocates for peace and inclusiveness through dialogue and reconciliation. The PDP aims to restore Jammu Kashmir’s original status, ensuring that the voices of its people are heard and their rights safeguarded.
The manifesto outlines several key promises, including the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, revocation of the Public Safety Act (PSA), Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), and the protection of land and employment rights for the local population.
The PDP also commits to establishing full connectivity across the Line of Control (LoC) for trade and social exchange, advocating for a regional free trade area, and promoting the opening of traditional trade routes to Central and South Asia.
On the economic front, the PDP pledges to provide free electricity and water to households, abolish property taxes, and offer 12 free cylinders of cooking gas per year to economically weaker sections. The manifesto also promises to double the funds under social security schemes, offer amnesty for Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans, and increase the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) installments from ₹2,000 to ₹4,000 quarterly by adding a state share.
In terms of youth and employment, the PDP plans to regularize 60,000 daily wagers within a year, reinstate the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for government employees, and enhance the honorarium of contractual teaching staff in colleges and universities.
The PDP’s manifesto offers a robust package of everyday guarantees aimed at easing the financial burden on households and enhancing their quality of life. Every household will receive 200 units of electricity for free, along with a one-time settlement for any pending electricity bills, ensuring that energy remains accessible and affordable. Water will also be provided free of charge, with the meter system for water consumption abolished, removing a significant cost for families.
The MMSFES scheme ensures that families with 1-6 members under BPL (PHH), PHH, and NPHH categories will receive an additional 5 kg of food grains per person, up to a maximum of 35 kg per ration card, complementing the 35 kg entitlement for AAY families under the NFSA. Moreover, economically weaker sections will benefit from 12 free cylinders of cooking gas annually, and the PDP promises to reinstate sugar and kerosene under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Women purchasing property will be exempt from stamp duty, and property taxes will be abolished for all households. The manifesto also includes provisions for subsidized timber for housing construction for EWS families, doubling funds under social security schemes like Old Age Pension, Widow Pension, and Pension for the Disabled, from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000, and a review of the One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme for J&K Bank loan customers.
Under the “Your Resources, Your Right” initiative, the PDP pledges to prioritize locals in all government tenders and revisit mining contracts to give special preference to local contractors. The party aims to increase the PM Kisan installment from ₹2,000 to ₹4,000 quarterly by adding a state share and plans to offer amnesty and waive all KCC loans for genuine farmers. To support the agricultural sector, a dedicated corridor will be established for the smooth movement of trucks during harvest season, along with toll tax relief for horticultural produce to ensure timely and cost-effective transportation. The manifesto also includes plans to set up panchayat-level soil testing laboratories, a state-of-the-art agriculture chemical testing laboratory, and a residue testing laboratory in South Kashmir to certify produce for international export, ensuring that farmers have access to high-quality inputs and can meet global standards. This comprehensive approach to resource management aims to empower local communities and bolster the region’s economy.
The party also proposes the creation of a special economic zone for agricultural and horticultural products, with a focus on promoting Kashmir’s apple industry and protecting local farmers from the illegal dumping of apples from other countries.
The manifesto includes specific measures to empower tribal communities, restore the dignity and inclusiveness of all citizens, and ensure the return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland. It also outlines a vision for transforming Srinagar and Jammu into modern urban centers with improved infrastructure, enhanced public services, and greater opportunities for residents.
Mehbooba Mufti urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to participate in the upcoming elections, describing it as a critical opportunity to voice their grievances and reclaim their future. She expressed confidence that the PDP’s manifesto would resonate with the aspirations of the people and help build a peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive Jammu and Kashmir.
With the assembly polls drawing near, the PDP’s manifesto sets the stage for a highly anticipated electoral battle, where the future of Jammu and Kashmir will be fiercely debated.