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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is facing protests in Jammu and Kashmir following the release and subsequent withdrawal of a candidate list for the upcoming assembly elections. The protests erupted outside the party's office in Jammu on Monday, with party workers expressing discontent over the selection process and the changes made to the initial list.
The BJP initially released a list of 44 candidates for the polls, but withdrew it just hours later. The new list, which was released on Monday, only includes candidates for the first phase of the elections. This change has angered many party workers, who feel that their loyalty and contributions have been ignored in favor of new entrants.
One of the protesters, a party worker, stated that they have been loyal supporters of the BJP but are now questioning the party's decisions. He specifically mentioned Omi Khajuria, a well-known figure in Jammu North, who was not included in the final list. The worker demanded that Khajuria be given a ticket, threatening resignation if his demands are not met.
The initial list included candidates such as Syed Wazahat, Gajay Singh Rana, and Javed Ahmad Qadri, who were set to contest from Anantnag, Doda, and Shopian constituencies respectively. Other notable candidates included Syed Showkat Gayoor Andrabi from Pampore, Arshid Bhat from Rajpora, Mohd. Rafiq Wani from Anantnag West, and Sushri Shagun Parihar from Kishtwar.
The assembly elections in J&K are scheduled to take place in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1. Candidates have until August 27 to file their nomination papers for the first phase, with the vote counting to be conducted on October 4.
The political landscape in J&K is witnessing a major shift, with the Congress party joining forces with Farooq Abdullah's National Conference for the assembly elections. Mehbooba Mufti's PDP has also pledged its support to this alliance. In contrast, the BJP has decided to contest the elections independently. In the 2014 assembly elections, the BJP managed to secure 25 seats, a significant achievement for the party.
The protests and the changes in the candidate list highlight the internal tensions within the BJP in J&K. The party is facing a challenging political environment with a strong alliance against them. The outcome of the upcoming elections will determine the future of the BJP in J&K and its ability to maintain its influence in the region.
Source: Rift erupts in J&K unit of BJP as party flip-flops over candidate list