Jammu and Kashmir Elections 2024: BJP Reveals Sixth List of Candidates
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced its sixth list of candidates for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir elections, which are set to take place in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1, 2024. The results of the elections will be declared on October 4, 2024. This announcement came shortly after Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the party’s campaign in Jammu and Kashmir.
Candidates Announced by BJP
The latest list includes 10 candidates, with notable additions such as Bharat Bhushan, who will contest from the Kathua (SC) seat. Other candidates include:
- RS Pathania – Udhampur East
- Naseer Ahmad Lone – Bandipora
Significantly, five of the candidates are Muslim, reflecting BJP’s attempt to broaden its appeal. The Muslim candidates in this list are:
- Idris Karnahi – Karnah
- Ghulam Mohammad Mir – Handwara
- Abidul Rashid Khan – Sonawari
- Naseer Ahmed Lone – Bandipora
- Fakir Mohammad Khan – Gurez (ST)
Electoral Landscape in Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir has a total of 90 assembly constituencies, with 7 reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) and 9 reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST). In the previous assembly elections, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) emerged victorious, winning 28 seats, while the BJP won 25 seats. Other parties like Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) secured 15 seats, and Congress won 12 seats. Notably, Congress has formed an alliance with NC for the upcoming elections, while BJP is contesting independently.
BJP’s Election Manifesto Highlights
On September 6, Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled BJP’s election manifesto, outlining significant proposals aimed at transforming Jammu and Kashmir. Key highlights include:
- Establishment of metro connectivity and amusement parks.
- Introduction of the ‘Maa Samman Yojana,’ providing ₹18,000 annually to the oldest woman in every family.
- Provision of two free cylinders each year under the Ujjwala Yojana.
These initiatives reflect BJP’s commitment to socio-economic development in the region, aiming to appeal to a diverse electorate.
Historical Context
Prior to the current electoral process, the BJP was part of a coalition government with the PDP led by Mehbooba Mufti. This partnership lasted until June 2018, when BJP withdrew its support. In the last assembly elections in 2014, the BJP garnered 25 seats, indicating notable electoral strength in the region, especially in the recent Lok Sabha Elections where it won both seats contested in Jammu.
Conclusion
The forthcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir are poised to be a crucial turning point, as multiple parties vie for control within a politically dynamic landscape. BJP’s strategic candidate selection and promising manifesto aim to resonate with the diverse populations of Jammu and Kashmir, making the elections a focal point of political attention in the region.
