Srinagar, Dec 21: BJP’s General Secretary, (Organization), for Jammu and Kashmir, Ashok Koul on Thursday said the party will not engage in a pre-poll alliance for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, expressing confidence in securing over 50 seats independently to form the government.
Talking to reporters here, Koul said while post-election alliances are not ruled out, the BJP is currently focused on surpassing the 50-seat mark based on the support it is garnering, particularly in the valley.
Responding to claims by some political parties in Jammu and Kashmir that the BJP is avoiding elections in the Union Territory, Ashok refuted the notion, citing the Supreme Court’s directive for elections before September of the following year. He urged other parties to prepare for the upcoming polls, asserting that the BJP is fully prepared and ready to participate.
Regarding the contentious issue of Article 370 and differing opinions in the valley, Koul reiterated the BJP’s stance that everyone should accept the Supreme Court’s verdict, emphasizing the apex court’s position as the highest democratic authority in India.
Turning to the matter of the expulsion of MPs from Parliament, Koul criticised the behaviour, cautioning against making a mockery of the country’s institutions.
He specifically pointed out an incident involving Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, stating that such actions resulted from opposition parties’ frustration over losses in three significant states. He emphasised the importance of respecting national institutions.