New Delhi: A crucial meeting of the BJP Central Election Committee was held on Sunday to discuss the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. Led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the committee finalised the names of candidates for over 50 seats, including the majority of the 43 seats in the Jammu region.
Sources said that the BJP Central Election Committee meeting on Sunday decided to drop some sitting MLAs from the state, including those whose constituencies have been abolished or altered due to delimitation. Apart from that, the meeting approved the introduction of new candidates.
BJP to contest 60-70 seats
The committee meeting has decided that the party will contest between 60 to 70 seats out of the 90 assembly seats. Many prominent leaders from Jammu have been denied tickets. Additionally, the party has resolved to go solo in the elections, ruling out any alliances with other political parties. Instead, it will will extend support to strong independent candidates.
The party is set to release its first list of candidates for Jammu and Kashmir today (Monday), likely around 10 am. The list will include the names of candidates for the first phase of seats. Decisions on candidates for the remaining phases will be made in subsequent meetings.
PM discusses J&K election strategy
After the CEC meet, PM Modi held a separate discussion with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP National President JP Nadda. The meeting focused on the election strategy for Jammu and Kashmir, including potential rallies by the prime minister. According to sources, PM Modi may hold one or two rallies in Kashmir and 8-10 rallies in Jammu. The meeting also covered election issues and campaign strategy.
Congress’s Surjewala criticised the BJP for its past alliances with National Conference and PDP. In 2014, the BJP won 25 seats in Jammu and Kashmir and formed a government with the PDP. After their alliance collapsed in 2018, the state came under President’s Rule. Now, the BJP faces a resurgent Congress and its ally, the National Conference, in the upcoming election.