BJP Faces Internal Revolt over Candidate Selection in Jammu and Kashmir

Pawan Khajuria, BJP's vice president in Jammu and Kashmir, demanded a change in the candidate for Udhampur East within two days, protesting the selection of R S Pathania. Supporters and other party members also expressed dissatisfaction, resulting in resignations and threats of independent candidacies.

Pawan Khajuria, the vice president of BJP's Jammu and Kashmir unit, has issued a two-day ultimatum to the party, urging a change in the candidate for Udhampur East constituency. The announcement came during a meeting with hundreds of his supporters in Udhampur. According to Khajuria, the nomination of former MLA R S Pathania, which was declared by the party, has been met with strong opposition from local workers.

Khajuria highlighted that ground-level workers have provided evidence of Pathania engaging in anti-party activities during the Lok Sabha elections. The mounting frustration over candidate selection extends beyond Udhampur, with protests in the Marh assembly segment against the nomination of Surinder Bhagat over Balbir Lal, who had the backing of former minister Choudhary Sukhnandan.

The discontent has led to resignations, such as District Development Council member Parikshat Singh, who has thrown his support behind Khajuria. Amidst escalating dissent, protests broke out at BJP's Jammu headquarters, and multiple leaders have resigned, with some joining the electoral fray as independent candidates. The turmoil highlights rifts within the BJP in its stronghold region.

(With inputs from agencies.)