BJP Confident of Success in Upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Elections

BJP candidates Veer Saraf and Sofi Yousuf, buoyed by PM Modi's development work in Kashmir, are optimistic about their party’s prospects in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir elections. The BJP released its first list of candidates for elections scheduled in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1.

With the Jammu and Kashmir elections approaching, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Veer Saraf expressed confidence in his party's chances, highlighting the development efforts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a pivotal factor. Contesting from Shangus-Anantnag East, Saraf conveyed gratitude to the party for his selection.

'I am happy that the party considered me capable enough to contest the elections. The hard work of our workers has been recognized,' Saraf stated. He added, 'It is our responsibility to work for the people. We are confident that the BJP will surely win.' Sofi Yousuf, BJP's candidate from Srigufwara-Bijbehara, emphasized the backing of senior party leaders and PM Modi's governance impact in the region.

'PM Modi, JP Nadda, Amit Shah, and others entrusted me with this responsibility. We seek votes based on PM Modi's work in Kashmir post-2014. There is no curfew, and strikes have reduced since August 5, 2019. We approach people with the development achieved by PM Modi. People love PM Modi and will vote for BJP,' Yousuf remarked. On Monday, the BJP released its first list of candidates for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir elections, set to occur in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1. The list features 15 candidates representing various communities across both regions of Jammu and Kashmir.

Veer Saraf will contest from Shangus-Anantnag East, while Sofi Yousuf will run from Srigufwara-Bijbehara. The list also includes Syed Showkat Gayoor Andrabi from Pampore, Arshid Bhat from Rajpora, Javed Ahmad Qadri from Shopian, and Mohd. Rafiq Wani from Anantnag West. Other candidates are Choudhary Roshan Hussain Gujjar from Kokernag, Sunil Sharma from Padder-Nagseni, Daleep Singh Parihar from Bhadarwah, Gajay Singh Rana from Doda, Shakti Raj Parihar from Doda West, and Rakesh Thakur from Ramban.

The Election Commission has announced that the first phase on September 18 will cover 24 seats. The multi-cornered contests will mark the first assembly polls since the abrogation of Article 370. The votes will be counted on October 4.

(With inputs from agencies.)