BJP Eyes Big Victory in Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Elections

BJP Jammu and Kashmir chief Ravinder Raina files nomination for Nowshera Assembly polls, expressing confidence in a strong BJP wave. Accusing opposition leaders of disrespecting regional Maharajas, Raina anticipates a significant win. With elections in three phases, BJP's campaign gains momentum.

Ravinder Raina, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief for Jammu and Kashmir, filed his nomination paper on Thursday for the Nowshera Assembly constituency. Raina underscored a strong BJP presence across the Union Territory prior to submitting his papers.

'There is a strong wave of BJP in the entire Jammu and Kashmir,' Raina declared. 'Whether it's Jammu, Kashmir, Nowshera, or any other area, you can see thousands of BJP workers participating in this campaign with enthusiasm. I am confident that the BJP will form the government with a substantial majority when the votes are counted.' Raina further criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his ally, the National Conference, for disrespecting the region's Maharajas. He assured voters that the BJP would address these grievances.

In a related development, Murtaza Khan, another BJP candidate, filed his nomination for the Mendhar Assembly constituency on the same day. 'Tomorrow is the last date, so I decided to file my nomination today,' Khan told ANI. 'The campaign will commence tomorrow, and we appreciate the BJP government's decision regarding the Backward Classes Commission's recommendations.'

Jammu and Kashmir has 90 Assembly constituencies, with 7 seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and 9 for Scheduled Tribes. According to the Election Commission of India, there are 88.06 lakh eligible electors. The previous elections saw PDP winning 28 seats, BJP securing 25, NC getting 15, and Congress obtaining 12 seats. These elections are the first since the abrogation of Article 370. Polling will be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1.

(With inputs from agencies.)