SRINAGAR, FEB 05: Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have geared up for Lok Sabha polls likely to be held in April-May this year.
Jammu and Kashmir has five parliamentary constituencies for which there seems to be a tough fight between political parties.
For the last one week, political parties have been reaching out to people by holding conventions and rallies across Jammu and Kashmir.
The BJP has launched its Lok Sabha election campaign by inaugurating election offices in Srinagar, Baramulla, Anantnag, Jammu, and Udhampur. This move is perceived as an effort by the BJP leadership to broaden its influence in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Valley where it is not yet considered a formidable political presence. Ashok Koul, the party’s general secretary, expressed confidence in winning all six Lok Sabha seats in J&K and Ladakh Union territories.
The central leadership of the BJP is actively engaging with local party leaders to assess the party’s chances in the upcoming elections. Meetings are being conducted with party workers, and a strategic decision has been made to connect with communities such as Gujjars, Bakerwals, Paharis, SCs, residents along the border and LoC, PoJK displaced individuals, West Pak refugees, and backward classes.
This outreach aims to understand their concerns and inform them about the welfare and developmental initiatives introduced by the Narendra Modi-Government.
The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Congress has delegated roles to key leaders, aiming to bolster organizational activities in anticipation of the upcoming Lok Sabha election. Senior Congress vice-president Mula Ram Baghat is now in charge of frontal organizations, while vice-president Hari Singh Chib oversees the party’s minority department. Additionally, the party has appointed coordinators for the five Lok Sabha seats and designated election war room in-charges for the Kashmir and Jammu divisions. District observers have also been assigned in both provinces to assess preparations and organizational activities, with fortnightly detailed reports requested.
Similarly, National Conference and PDP leaders are also holding meetings and reaching out to workers.
Ghulam Nabi Azad, who left the Congress and formed a new political party, Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), has been either camping in Jammu or Srinagar and making preparations for the polls.
Similarly, Apni Party-led by Altaf Buukhari and Peoples Conference have been busy in organising rallies in different parts of J&K.
