Srinagar, May 06: With uncertainty prevailing among the Bharatiya Janata Party workers and supporters regarding their voting preferences in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections across three seats in Kashmir, the party on Monday dispelled the “confusion”.
The party reiterated its electoral strategy, directing both its members and supporters to refrain from supporting the Congress, National Conference (NC), and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Reports surfaced indicating that the BJP has caused confusion among its supporters and workers in Kashmir by abstaining from publicly endorsing candidates in three parliamentary constituencies, notably the recently formed Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat.
In response, the BJP reiterated its clear strategy, urging them (workers) to cast their votes for anyone except the Congress, NC and PDP.
Speaking to Kashmir News Service over the phone, BJP’s senior leader and General Secretary (Organisation), Ashok Koul, mentioned the party’s directive. “Our strategy is crystal clear: vote for anyone except the Congress, NC, and PDP. There should be no confusion about it. We have sent a clear message to BJP workers to support alternative candidates as these parties have exploited the people.”
Responding to reports of confusion among workers, especially in the Kashmir Valley and the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch due to the party’s silence on endorsing candidates, Koul clarified that the party will support those who are committed to welfare and peace.
The BJP has refrained from fielding candidates in the three seats of the Kashmir valley, including the recently established Anantnag-Rajouri constituency. However, the party has nominated candidates in Udhampur and Jammu.
Koul referenced Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s call to reject the Congress, NC, and PDP, labelling them as parties that have “ruined” the region.
“These dynastic parties have brought death and destruction to the valley. They are enemies of Kashmiris, promoting politics of hatred and aiming to revert J&K to the days of violence,” Koul stated, echoing Shah’s sentiments.
While BJP J&K Chief Ravinder Raina had expressed the party’s initial desire to contest independently in all three Kashmir seats, he also emphasised supporting parties committed to Kashmir’s welfare and peace. “We stand behind patriotic parties striving for Kashmir’s betterment, peace, and societal service,” Raina had affirmed.
Jammu and Kashmir Congress Chief Vikar Rasool Wani had lambasted the BJP for abstaining from contesting in Kashmir seats, citing weakness in the region. NC Vice President Omar Abdullah had also questioned the BJP’s decision, given its claims of “development post the abrogation of Article 370”. (KNS)
