(Amit Shah)
(Amit Shah)

Amit Shah to release manifesto(Amit Shah)

Jammu and Kashmir: Union Home Minister Amit Shah  (Amit Shah) will launch the election campaign of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and release the party’s manifesto during his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir starting from Friday. Shah’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir is coming at a time when the party is facing various challenges before the assembly elections. These challenges include opposition from many leaders and workers and some leaders leaving the party after not getting tickets.

A senior leader said, “Amit Shah ji is coming to Jammu on a two-day visit. He will reach (here) in the afternoon from Delhi.” The leader said that on the first day of his visit, Shah will release the party’s manifesto here at 4 pm. Later in the evening, he will chair a meeting with party leaders and meet a delegation of party workers.

BJP campaign kicks off

He said Shah will officially kick off the BJP campaign from Jammu. He will address a rally here on Saturday. His visit to Jammu assumes significance in view of the resentment prevailing within the BJP over ticket distribution in the Union Territory. The party has tried to calm the situation by sending several top leaders, including Union ministers, there last week to make up for the loss. Jammu district, with eleven assembly constituencies, is quite important for the BJP. The party had won nine of these seats in the 2014 elections, taking its total tally to 25.

Tight security arrangements ahead of Shah’s visit

The aim of Shah’s campaign starting from Jammu is to assure the people of the region about the BJP’s commitment to their welfare and development. Officials said security has been beefed up in and around Jammu ahead of Shah’s visit. Various preparations, including security measures, are underway for Shah’s rally at Palora Top. He said cleanliness drives have been carried out and necessary protocols are in place in the area.