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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unveiled a key election promise for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections – a ‘ghar wapsi’ scheme aimed at facilitating the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley. This pledge is outlined in their manifesto, ‘Sankalp Patra’, and goes beyond simply addressing the issue of terrorism and temple reconstruction. The scheme, named the Tika Lal Taploo Visthapit Samaj Punarvas Yojana (TLTVSPY), has sparked debate about the legacy of the late Tika Lal Taploo, whose name it bears.
Taploo, a prominent Kashmiri Pandit leader, lawyer, and early BJP member, was tragically assassinated by militants in 1989. His life and political career are intertwined with the tumultuous period of insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir. Born in Srinagar, he earned higher education in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh before returning to his homeland. He actively participated in political movements, including the agitation in 1967 and the Emergency era, and rose to prominence as the BJP vice-president in the Valley. His assassination marked a tragic chapter in the history of Kashmiri Pandits, as it coincided with the escalating violence and mass exodus that followed.
The BJP’s decision to name the scheme after Taploo is strategic. His deep association with both the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), combined with his widespread respect among Kashmiri Pandits, makes him a symbol of the party's commitment to the community’s welfare. Taploo’s charisma even surpassed that of the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir during its nascent years. His murder, which occurred shortly after a failed assassination attempt, highlighted the perilous situation faced by Kashmiri Pandits and became a turning point in the community's forced migration.
The BJP's move is calculated to resonate with Kashmiri Pandits, who constitute a significant voter base in the Jammu region. By naming the scheme after Taploo, the BJP has skillfully tapped into a sensitive issue, appealing to the emotions and memories associated with a revered figure. The party plans to intensify its campaign for the scheme, utilizing social media and door-to-door visits to emphasize the promise of Kashmiri Pandit ‘ghar wapsi’.
The efficacy of the scheme and its potential to sway voters in the Jammu Division remain to be seen. However, the BJP’s decision to honor Taploo's legacy by naming the scheme after him is a clear indication of the party's attempt to engage with the Kashmiri Pandit community and address their concerns. It will be interesting to observe how this scheme unfolds and its impact on the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections.