BJP Prepares for Critical CEC Meeting on Aug 29

The BJP is set to hold its next Central Election Committee meeting on August 29, discussing election strategies for Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. This follows an initial meeting chaired by JP Nadda, attended by PM Modi and other key leaders. Candidate lists and campaign details are being finalized.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is poised to convene its next Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting on August 29. Key topics on the agenda include electoral strategies for Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. The first CEC meeting was held yesterday, led by National President JP Nadda, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Amit Shah, and other prominent leaders in attendance.

A source disclosed, 'Members discussed several names yesterday. On the 29th, we will cover the remaining seats in Jammu and most in Kashmir. We are ready to contest 60 seats with solid local support from parties like the Apni Party.' The BJP has already announced a list of 15 candidates, with more names expected.

The initial list comprises candidates like Syed Wazahat for Anantnag, Gajay Singh Rana for Doda, and Javed Ahmad Qadri for Shopian. Assembly elections in J-K will occur in three phases—September 18, 25, and October 1. Nominations for the first phase must be submitted by August 27, with vote counting slated for October 4.

Additionally, the BJP has revealed its star campaigners for the upcoming J-K Assembly Elections, including PM Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Other significant names are Nitin Gadkari, Yogi Adityanath, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Smriti Irani.

Jammu and Kashmir anticipates multi-cornered contests in most seats, with these being the first assembly elections since Article 370's abrogation. In the recent Lok Sabha polls, the BJP clinched both seats in Jammu, underscoring its robust regional support, while the National Conference secured two seats. Vote counting is scheduled for October 4.

(With inputs from agencies.)