New Delhi, Aug 26: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday released its first list of candidates for the Jammu and Kashmir elections, which will be held in three phases on September 18, 25 and October 1.
The first list includes 15 candidates and the party has sought to give representation to various communities and castes. It has candidates from both the Jammu and Kashmir regions.
The party subsequently declared its candidate from Konkernag seat also.
Sources said the BJP has sought to reflect the region’s diverse demographic composition and strengthen its outreach among different communities.
The party has fielded Syed Showkat Gayoor Andrabi from Pampore, Arshid Bhat from Rajpora, Javed Ahmad Qadri from Shopian, Mohd. Rafiq Wani from Anantnag West, Syed Wazahat from Anantnag while Veer Saraf is in the fray from Shangus-Anantnag East
The party has fielded Sofi Yousuf from Srigufwara-Bijbehara, Tariq Keen from Inderwal and Salim Bhat from Banihal. Shagun Parihar, the only woman in the list, will contest from Kishtwar.
BJP has fielded Sunil Sharma from Padder-Nagseni, Daleep Singh Parihar from Bhadarwah and Gajay Singh Rana from Doda, Shakti Raj Parihar from Doda West and Rakesh Thakur from Ramban constituency.
Choudhary Roshan Hussain Gujjar will contest from Kokernag.
The Election Commission has issued notification for the first phase of elections in which 24 seats will go to the polls.
Jammu and Kasmhmir is expected to witness multi-cornered contests on most seats. It is the first assembly polls since the abrogation of Article 370.
In the Lok Sabha elections held earlier this year, the BJP won both the seats in Jammu, again demonstrating its strong support in the region. The National Conference also won two seats.
The votes will be counted on October 4.ANI
Will release second list soon, says Raina
Following Bhartiya Janata Party release of a revised list of 15 candidates for Phase-1 of the Jammu and Kashmir polls, BJP state president Ravinder Raina said that the party will soon release the second list of candidates.
He also mentioned that BJP has released the candidate list for first phase by keeping the last date of nomination in mind.
“In its first list, the party has released names of candidates for the first phase of polls as the last day of nominations for the first phase is 27th August. The party will soon release the second list.”
He further asserted that BJP wil fight the election in Jammu and Kashmir on their own.
“We will fight the election on our own. We are also talking to some independent candidates.” Raina said.
BJP has fielded Arshid Bhat from Rajpora Assembly constituency that comes in Pulwama district, who showed gratitude toward the party and PM Modi.
“I am thankful to PM Modi as he recognised my efforts of social service and gave me this opportunity to be the voice of the people in Pulwama.” Arshid Bhat said.
Bhat further added, “A political disease has been existing here…We want to contest this election considering the situation of this place and being the voice of the people. If we look into history, the intellectual assets of Pulwama were destroyed through a backdoor entry, J&K bank was looted and corrupt leadership was established.”
BJP candidate from Pampore Assembly constituency, Er Syed Showkat Gayoor Andrabi also thanked the party.
“I am thankful to the party for showing their confidence in me. There is no doubt that there is a lot of competition in this election. I have been a political activist for the last 19 years and also worked for people. I was also in NC. Wherever I worked, I did so with complete dedication. People know about me and the work I have done so far. I am sure people will make a good decision.” Er Syed Showkat Gayoor Andrabi said.
Polling in Jammu and Kashmir will be conducted in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, according to the Election Commission of India. The counting of votes will take place on October 4.
There are a total number of 90 assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, out of which 7 seats are reserved for SCs and 9 seats are reserved for STs.
ANI
