High-Profile Leaders Join BJP Ahead of J&K Assembly Elections

A Congress leader and a former police officer have joined the BJP ahead of Jammu and Kashmir's Assembly elections, citing the party's growing popularity and development agenda under PM Narendra Modi. Their induction, along with dozens of supporters, signals a significant shift in the political landscape.

In a significant political development, a Congress leader and a former police officer joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday, bringing with them dozens of supporters. This move comes as the BJP aims for success in the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

Ravinder Raina, J&K BJP president, welcomed the new members at separate events held at the party headquarters. Raina attributed the Congress-National Conference (NC) pre-poll alliance to BJP's increasing popularity.

Former SSP Mohan Lal was among the new inductees, following his voluntary retirement. Lal expressed influence from the central and local BJP leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He plans to run from the Akhnoor Assembly constituency to help the BJP secure over 50 seats.

Raina emphasized that the continuous joining of notable figures like former minister Choudhary Zulfikar Ali has unsettled Congress and NC, pushing them to form an alliance. Additionally, senior Congress leader Choudhary Abdul Gani, along with his supporters, also joined the BJP. Raina remarked that this shift is a major setback for Congress, especially in the Rajouri and Poonch regions.

(With inputs from agencies.)