Optimistic BJP Seeks 'Historic Moment' in Upcoming J&K Assembly Polls

As Jammu and Kashmir prepares for assembly elections after a decade, BJP candidate Vibodh Gupta is hopeful about winning the Rajouri seat, calling it a historic moment for the party. The elections see a close contest with NC and PDP, amidst new BJP candidate announcements.

As Jammu and Kashmir gears up for assembly polls after ten years, Vibodh Gupta, the BJP candidate for the Rajouri Assembly seat, is optimistic about securing a win. Gupta described a potential victory as a 'historic moment' for the party, reminiscent of historical changes post-1947.

Historically, the Rajouri Assembly seat has seen tight contests between the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In 2014, Qamar Hussain from PDP won, while in 2008, it was Shabbir Ahmed Khan from NC who secured the seat. Gupta criticized the National Conference, accusing it of hindering the tourism industry and opposing youth embracing the national flag. He expressed gratitude towards the BJP leadership for selecting him as their candidate.

Gupta stated, 'I am grateful to the top leadership of BJP for choosing me as their candidate from the Rajouri Assembly seat. The people of Rajouri have always shown their love for me. This is not a normal election. The NC's manifesto seeks to reintroduce Article 370, Article 35A, another flag, constitution, and unrest. They aim to release terrorism-related accused who support them. Post-August 5, 2019, separatism and stone pelting have ended in Kashmir.'

Earlier, the BJP announced its fourth list of candidates for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, including party unit chief Ravinder Raina for the Nowshera constituency. Others fielded include Arif Raja for the Eidgah seat, Er. Aijaz Hussain for the Lal Chowk seat, Dr. Ali Mohammad Mir for Khansahib, Zahid Hussain for Chrar-i-Sharif, and Vibodh Gupta for Rajouri (ST).

On August 27, the BJP released a third list of 29 candidates for the second and third phases of the elections, listing Murtaza Khan for Mendhar, Sunil Bhardwaj for Ramnagar (SC), Chowdhary Abdul Ghani for Poonch Haveli, Pawan Gupta for Udhampur West, Mohd Iqbal Malik for Thannamandi, and Baldev Raj Sharma for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, among others.

Jammu and Kashmir consist of 90 assembly constituencies, with 7 seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and 9 for Scheduled Tribes (STs). The Election Commission of India reports 88.06 lakh eligible voters. In the previous elections, PDP won 28 seats, BJP 25, NC 15, and Congress 12.

(With inputs from agencies.)