Party to focus more on Jammu, introduce new faces
Srinagar Aug 26: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has conducted a series of high-level meetings over three days to finalize its strategy for the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir,
J&K is set to go for the first election in the region since it became a Union Territory in 2019 and the first in over a decade.
The BJP has decided to contest the elections independently, opting not to form any alliances with other parties. However, the party may lend support to independent candidates in the Kashmir Valley. The discussions over the past three days took place in New Delhi, starting with a meeting on Friday at the residence of Home Minister Amit Shah. This was followed by another meeting at BJP President JP Nadda’s residence, where key party leaders, including Amit Shah and members of the Jammu & Kashmir core committee, deliberated on candidate selection criteria and overall strategy.
On Sunday, the BJP’s Central Election Committee, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President JP Nadda, Home Minister Amit Shah, and other senior leaders, convened in the national capital to finalize the party’s candidates for the upcoming polls. The party’s focus remains firmly on the Jammu region, a strategy reminiscent of its approach in the 2014 elections when it performed strongly in this division.
“The BJP plans to emphasize the benefits that Jammu has experienced following the abrogation of Article 370, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status. This, along with the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the newly implemented Scheduled Tribe (ST) reservations in the Assembly elections, will be central to the party’s campaign. The representation of Kashmiri Pandits is also expected to be a significant talking point,” a source said.
“The BJP is gearing up to defend its stronghold in the Jammu region, particularly against Congress, which has allied with the National Conference to challenge the BJP.”
Sources say that the BJP leadership has decided to downplay its campaign efforts in the Kashmir Valley, where it will likely support some independent candidates instead of fielding its own on all seats. Additionally, in a move that could signify a shift within the party, the BJP is reportedly considering not granting election tickets to some of its top senior leaders and former ministers in the Jammu Division, possibly to introduce fresh faces and new energy into the campaign.
