BJP's Pawan Kumar Gupta Files Candidacy for Udhampur West Amid Peace in Kashmir Post-Article 370

BJP candidate Pawan Kumar Gupta submits his nomination for Udhampur West assembly elections, asserting peace in Kashmir post-Article 370. Amit Shah criticizes opposition manifestos during a scathing attack on Congress and NC. First J&K assembly elections post-Article 370 will be held in September.

BJP candidate from Udhampur West Assembly constituency, Pawan Kumar Gupta, submitted his nomination papers for the upcoming assembly elections on Saturday. Gupta emphasized that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that there is peace in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370.

Speaking to ANI, Gupta stated, "The people of J&K are standing with PM Modi because he removed Article 370. There is peace in Kashmir, stone-pelting has stopped, militancy is at its lowest level, and schools and colleges are functioning normally. Shikaras, hotel and restaurant owners are happy. Today the tricolour is flying high everywhere in J&K." The union territory's elections will commence in the third week of September, with vote counting on October 8.

Earlier, Union Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah launched a sharp critique against the Congress and the National Conference's manifestos, asserting that they want to return to the old system and initiate talks with Pakistan. He stated, "Until there is peace, there will be no talks with Pakistan." Shah also accused the Congress and NC of trying to spread terrorism, revoke reservations for Gujjars, Bakarwal, Paharis, and Dalits, release criminals, and restart LOC trade with Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.

On Friday, the Home Minister released the BJP's manifesto, listing 25 promises focusing on women, youth, Kashmiri Pandits, restoring temples, and eradicating terrorism. The National Conference and the Congress are jointly contesting the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

Jammu and Kashmir has 90 assembly constituencies, with 7 seats reserved for SCs and 9 for STs. According to the Election Commission of India, J&K has 88.06 lakh eligible voters. These will be the first assembly elections in Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370.

In the previous assembly elections, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) won 28 seats, BJP secured 25, National Conference won 15, and Congress claimed 12. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)