BJP Leader Chander Mohan Sharma Breaks Ranks, Declares Independent Run in Jammu East

Senior BJP leader Chander Mohan Sharma announced his independent candidacy for the Jammu East constituency in response to growing dissatisfaction with the party's ticket distribution. Sharma, a veteran of the party, cited public demand and alleged neglect by the BJP as reasons for his decision. He will challenge BJP's official candidate Yudhir Sethi.

Amid rising unrest within the BJP over assembly election ticket allocations in Jammu and Kashmir, senior BJP leader Chander Mohan Sharma declared his intention to run as an independent candidate from Jammu East on Wednesday.

Significant discontent has erupted within the BJP ranks, with leaders and workers protesting in various districts of the Jammu region over the party's ticket distribution process.

Sharma, the convener of Tawi Andolan, announced his decision stating, "On the demand of the people of my constituency, I have decided to contest the assembly elections from the Jammu East segment as an independent candidate. BJP has not done justice with its senior leaders and workers." Sharma visited several areas to gauge public sentiment on his candidacy and reported widespread support.

He further expressed his dissatisfaction with the BJP's alleged sidelining of senior leaders during the ticket distribution, leading to his resignation from the party which he joined in the early 1970s. Sharma, a professional advocate, will now challenge BJP's official candidate Yudhir Sethi in a constituency that has been a BJP bastion since 1987.

(With inputs from agencies.)