BJP Unveils Candidates for Jammu & Kashmir Elections, Emphasizes Development Under PM Modi

BJP's Sofi Yousuf stresses development in Jammu & Kashmir under PM Modi, citing reduced violence and improved living standards. The party announces its candidate list for upcoming assembly elections, marking the first poll since the abrogation of Article 370. Elections will be held in three phases.

On Tuesday, BJP candidate for the Srigufwara-Bijbehara Assembly Constituency, Sofi Yousuf, highlighted the party's commitment to development and the positive impact of central policies since 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

In an interaction with reporters, Yousuf commended PM Modi's governance, stating, "Under PM Modi, Jammu & Kashmir has seen significant progress. Since the changes on August 5, 2019, stone-pelting incidents, cross-firing, and separatist activities have decreased."

Yousuf also noted improvements in daily life, asserting, "Common people are now living more comfortably. Tourists, hoteliers, laborers, and shopkeepers are all reaping the benefits of our development initiatives. There is growing admiration for PM Modi's work."

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its first list of candidates for the Jammu and Kashmir elections, set to occur in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1. The initial list includes 15 candidates, representing various communities and castes from both the Jammu and Kashmir regions. Additionally, the party announced its candidate for the Konkernag seat.

The BJP has fielded Sofi Yousuf from Srigufwara-Bijbehara, alongside other candidates including Syed Showkat Gayoor Andrabi from Pampore, Arshid Bhat from Rajpora, and Javed Ahmad Qadri from Shopian. The only woman on the list, Shagun Parihar, will contest from Kishtwar.

With the issuance of the Election Commission's notification for the first phase of elections, 24 seats will be contested. Jammu and Kashmir is expected to see multi-cornered fights for most seats. This election marks the first assembly poll since the abrogation of Article 370. In the recent Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won both seats in Jammu, underscoring its strong regional support. The votes will be counted on October 4.

(With inputs from agencies.)