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The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) election campaign in Jammu and Kashmir faced a tumultuous start as the party withdrew its initial list of candidates within hours, reportedly due to protests from long-time members who felt sidelined in favor of political newcomers. This unexpected development reveals internal rifts within the BJP and underscores the challenges the party faces in securing a strong foothold in the region.
The first list, released on Monday, included candidates for 16 out of the 24 Assembly seats slated for voting in the first phase on September 18. Notably, it omitted candidates for all eight constituencies in South Kashmir, a region historically known for its militancy. The BJP subsequently withdrew the list, leaving its supporters bewildered and sparking speculation about the reasons behind this sudden reversal.
Sources within the party attribute the withdrawal to widespread anger among loyal BJP members who felt overlooked in favor of individuals who recently joined the party from rival political groups. These disgruntled members, who have reportedly dedicated their lives to strengthening the BJP's presence in Kashmir, express deep resentment at being bypassed in favor of political opportunists. They contend that the BJP's initial list prioritized connections over merit, a principle that has traditionally been a cornerstone of the party's ideology.
The BJP's decision to favor turncoats has drawn criticism from within its own ranks. Numerous BJP workers, including a lone District Development Council (DDC) member from South Kashmir, have publicly voiced their disapproval. The party's attempt to appease the newly recruited members has alienated a significant section of its existing base, raising concerns about the long-term implications for its electoral prospects in the region.
The BJP's approach to candidate selection in Kashmir has been characterized by the inclusion of several individuals who were previously affiliated with parties like the National Conference (NC) and the Congress. While this strategy might appear to be an attempt at broadening the party's appeal, it has inadvertently created a chasm between those who have consistently stood by the BJP and those who have joined the party opportunistically. This discordance within the party could prove detrimental to its chances in the upcoming elections.
The BJP's handling of its candidate list in Jammu and Kashmir highlights the complexities of navigating political landscapes where loyalties are often tested and alliances can shift rapidly. While the party claims its aim is to contest all Assembly seats, the current situation raises questions about its ability to bridge the divide between its old guard and the new recruits. The upcoming elections will provide a crucial test for the BJP's strategy in Jammu and Kashmir, and the party's ability to reconcile the conflicting interests within its ranks will be central to its success.
Source: BJP starts with a jerk in J&K: First list cancelled, pruned as old guard ‘protests’