Jammu, Apr 09: The BharatiyaJanata Party (BJP) finds itself at a crossroads as it grapples with the decision of whether to contest in crucial LokSabhaseats in Jammu and Kashmir. With the formation of the newly created Rajouri-Poonch-Anantnag constituency, along with the Srinagar and Baramulla seats, the party leadership remains undecided, leaving the matter to be resolved by the central command.
“This is a million-dollar question on whether to field BJP candidates on these seats or not,” revealed a senior BJP leader and former minister, speaking anonymously to Rising Kashmir. The party has deliberated extensively on the issue, offering suggestions to the high command for consideration.
According to sources within the J&K BJP, there is a faction advocating against fielding candidates in these constituencies. Instead, they propose supporting candidates from allied parties closely aligned with the BJP’s ideology.
Of the three LokSabha seats in question, the Rajouri-Poonch-Anantnag seat has emerged as the focal point of political attention in J&K. Former Chief Minister and President of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, is slated to contest from this constituency. Additionally, speculation surrounds the potential candidacy of former Chief Minister GhulamNabi Azad, who is yet to confirm his decision.
The National Conference (NC) has already fielded its senior leader and former minister, MianAltaf, for the Rajouri-Poonch-Anantnag seat, further intensifying the electoral landscape in the region.
With the parliamentary elections in J&K UT scheduled in five phases, each phase dedicated to one of the five LokSabha seats, the political maneuvering intensifies as the April 19th kickoff date draws near. Subsequent phases will cover the Jammu-Reasi, newly created Rajouri-Anantnag, Srinagar, and Baramulla constituencies, concluding with the final phase on May 26th.
As the BJP weighs its options and strategizes its approach in these critical constituencies, the electoral landscape in Jammu and Kashmir remains dynamic and uncertain, poised for significant developments in the coming weeks.
