J&K BJP Rules Out Alliance for Upcoming Assembly Elections

Jammu and Kashmir's BJP President Ravinder Raina announced that the party will not form alliances with any political party for the September Assembly elections, but may collaborate with independent candidates. Elections, the first since the abrogation of Article 370, will begin on September 18, concluding on October 1, with results on October 4.

Jammu and Kashmir BJP unit President Ravinder Raina declared on Sunday that the party will not enter into any alliance with other political parties for the upcoming Assembly elections. Scheduled for the third week of September, the elections will see the BJP potentially forming alliances with independent candidates for 8-10 assembly seats in Kashmir.

Raina emphatically stated, 'We will not form any alliance with any political party. BJP will contest elections with full strength... The public of Jammu and Kashmir will vote overwhelmingly for BJP, and we will form the government. BJP can contest elections in alliance with some independent candidates, but we will not ally with any political party in Jammu.'

On remarks from former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah about Article 370, Raina commented, 'He knows his government won't be formed here, prompting such statements.' Regarding former J&K Minister Chowdhary Zulfikar Ali joining BJP, Raina said, 'He is a significant political leader in Jammu and Kashmir. We welcome him; his joining will strengthen the BJP.'

Elections in the Union Territory will be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with counting of votes on October 4, as per the Election Commission of India. These elections are the first in Kashmir since Article 370's abrogation in 2019.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kashmir in March, announcing development packages worth crores to boost agriculture and tourism. The election body has directed enforcement agencies to ensure impartiality and transparency for smooth and fair polling.

The Union Territory has 90 assembly constituencies: 74 general, nine ST, and seven SC. With 87.09 lakh total electors, including 44.46 lakh males, 42.62 lakh females, and 169 transgender individuals, Jammu and Kashmir's elections follow a 10-year gap since the last assembly election in 2014.

The Supreme Court directed the Centre to conclude the election process by September 30, 2024, setting a significant milestone for the region. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)