BJP Criticizes J&K Regional Leadership Ahead of Crucial Elections

BJP National General Secretary, Tarun Chugh, applauded Prime Minister Modi's respect among J&K residents while criticizing regional leaders for being misguided. The statements come ahead of the three-phase elections starting September 18, the first since Article 370's abrogation.

Tarun Chugh, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary and Jammu and Kashmir (J-K) in-charge, asserted on Sunday that the people of J-K have immense respect for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Chugh criticized regional parties, including the National Conference, People's Democratic Party, and Congress, labeling them as misguided and unpopular.

'The people of Jammu and Kashmir hold Prime Minister Narendra Modi in high esteem. On the other hand, the leadership of the National Conference, People's Democratic Party, and Congress is misguided and is being rejected by the people,' said Chugh after a meeting in Srinagar.

Referring to statements by former Chief Ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and Mehbooba Mufti, Chugh claimed, 'They appear to be among the misguided leaders.' He specifically described Omar Abdullah, the National Conference Vice-President, as an 'established confused leader,' uncertain about a pre-poll alliance with Congress and the number of seats to contest.

Chugh added, 'He is confused whether to contest the assembly elections or not.'

The Election Commission announced that polling in Jammu and Kashmir will occur in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1. Votes will be tallied on October 8. The region has 90 assembly constituencies, with seven seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and nine for Scheduled Tribes (STs).

According to the Election Commission of India, J-K has 88.06 lakh eligible electors. In the last Assembly elections, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) secured 28 seats, BJP gained 25, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference won 15, and Congress secured 12.

The PDP-BJP coalition government was led by Mufti Mohammed Sayeed until his demise, after which Mehbooba Mufti took over. In 2018, BJP withdrew its support. These upcoming elections will be the first in Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370.

(With inputs from agencies.)