‘Many J&K leaders in contact with BJP, may join party soon’

Jammu, Aug 20: As the Assembly elections approach in Jammu and Kashmir, major shifts are expected in the political landscape, with several prominent leaders from regional parties likely to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
A senior BJP leader, who wished to remain anonymous, informed Rising Kashmir that discussions are underway with leaders from various parties, including the National Conference (NC), the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the Apni Party, and the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) led by former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad.
“These talks are focused on various issues, including the selection of candidates for the upcoming elections,” he said.
The BJP is strategically working on expanding its influence in the Kashmir region, which consists of 47 assembly segments, and is considering alliances with smaller parties that hold sway in specific areas.
Recent developments have seen former minister Zulfiqar Chowdhary from Drahal joining the BJP after a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi. Chowdhary was previously a senior leader in the Apni Party, led by Altaf Bukhari.
Zafar Iqbal Manhas, who ran in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections on an Apni Party ticket from the Rajouri-Poonch-Anantnag seat, has also resigned from the party.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP supported Zafar Manhas instead of fielding its own candidate for the Rajouri-Poonch-Anantnag seat. This move hints at the BJP’s broader strategy to form alliances and make significant inroads in the Kashmir region ahead of the Assembly elections.
The first phase of the Assembly elections in J&K is scheduled for September 18, with the final date for nominations set for August 27.