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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has declared its intention to contest the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir without forming any pre-poll alliances. This decision, announced by state party president Ravinder Raina, signifies a strategic shift for the party in the region. While the BJP has ruled out alliances with established political parties, it is actively engaged in discussions with a group of 8 to 10 independent candidates in the Kashmir Valley. These talks are aimed at exploring the possibility of a joint contest for the elections, potentially enhancing the party's reach and influence in the region.
Raina expressed unwavering confidence in the BJP's ability to secure a majority victory in the elections. He asserted that the party will field candidates in both the Kashmir Valley and Jammu, with a particular focus on the former. This strategy aligns with the BJP's broader objective of establishing a strong presence in Kashmir, a region historically dominated by other political parties. The party's optimism is fueled by its belief that the inclusion of prominent leaders like former minister Choudhary Zulfikar Ali, who recently joined the BJP, will significantly bolster its support base, particularly in the Rajouri-Poonch belt.
However, the BJP's stance has been met with skepticism from opposition parties, notably the National Conference (NC). Omar Abdullah, the former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has criticized the BJP's decision to revoke Article 370, a move that granted special status to the state. He has stated that the Jammu and Kashmir House would pass a resolution against the Centre's decision upon assuming power after the Assembly polls. This exchange highlights the deep political divide and contrasting ideologies that characterize the electoral landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. As the elections draw nearer, the BJP's campaign strategy will be closely watched, with analysts predicting a fierce contest between the BJP and its rivals in the race for power in the union territory.
Source: BJP will have no pre-poll alliance in J-K: Ravinder Raina