BJP Aims for Majority in J&K Elections Amid Controversies Over Article 370

BJP's Tejasvi Surya expressed confidence in winning the Jammu and Kashmir assembly election with full majority, while National Conference's Omar Abdullah called for votes in the second polling phase. Union Minister G Kishan Reddy criticized Congress-NC for plans to reinstate Article 370.

Bharatiya Janata Party MP Tejasvi Surya on Monday expressed confidence that his party will win the Jammu and Kashmir assembly election with a full majority and form the government. "I can say this very confidently that BJP will win the Jammu and Kashmir elections with full majority and will form the government here. After the abrogation of Article 370, terrorism has finished here. Development work is being done here," Surya told ANI.

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah alleged on Monday that attempts were being made to "divide our voice" and "votes." He appealed to the electorate to vote for the National Conference ahead of the second phase of polling scheduled for September 23. "I am seeking one more opportunity to serve you. There are many unemployed youth here. Here is the issue of land and woes of electricity. Electricity bills are skyrocketing. Attempts are being made to divide our voice and divide our votes," Omar Abdullah said while addressing a rally in Ganderbal district.

He also targeted the People's Democratic Party (PDP) for aligning with the BJP in 2014. "In 2014, this party appealed for votes to stop the BJP. The people of Jammu and Kashmir gave them 28 seats. Unfortunately, these 28 MLA's went and sat in the lap of the BJP. If these parties emerge successful, they will do nothing except bring the BJP into the Union Territory," Omar said.

Meanwhile, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy has slammed the Congress-National Conference alliance in Jammu and Kashmir, saying that they want to implement the "Jinnah Constitution" by reinstating Article 370. "In the manifesto released by the National Conference for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, they have said that after coming to power, they will reinstate Article 370. It is wrong that the Congress-National Conference will implement the Jinnah Constitution by removing the Constitution of Baba Saheb Ambedkar, which was implemented after 70 years by Prime Minister Modi," Kishan Reddy told ANI on Sunday.

While Congress' manifesto for the Assembly election is silent on Article 370, its bigger alliance partner NC promised in its manifesto restoration of Article 370. The former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister is contesting from Budgam and Ganderbal Assembly seats, which are going to polls in the second phase scheduled for September 23.

The first phase of the three-phase assembly elections was held on September 18. Notably, a voter turnout of 61.13 pc was registered in the first phase, which was held in 24 constituencies in seven districts. Voting for the second and third phases in J-K will be held on September 25 and October 1 respectively. Votes will be counted on October 8. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)