BJP Leader Pawan Khajuria Challenges Nomination, Urges Party to Replace Controversial Candidate

BJP leader Pawan Khajuria, denied a ticket from Udhampur East in the J&K Assembly polls, criticized the party's chosen candidate, RS Pathania, accusing him of conspiring against the party. Khajuria requested the party to nominate a dedicated worker. RS Pathania thanked BJP leadership for their trust.

BJP leader Pawan Khajuria, after being denied a ticket from the Udhampur East constituency for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, has called on the party to replace him with a more 'dedicated worker.' Khajuria slammed the party's selected candidate, RS Pathania, accusing him of a 'planned conspiracy' to destroy the party.

Khajuria stated, 'After the party's decision yesterday, party workers and supporters were angry. I convened a meeting to discuss our future actions. The current nominee is not a true party worker and cannot think about the party's welfare. He has previously acted against our party MP, Jitendra Singh.' Khajuria urged the BJP to nominate a committed party worker in his place, assuring full support.

'I remain dedicated to the party's welfare. I don't seek the mandate for myself, but I urge the party to choose a dedicated worker, and we will ensure his victory. We gave the party an ultimatum to reverse the decision. Though the state president has been replaced, dissatisfaction persists,' Khajuria added. BJP announced its sixth list of candidates, with Pathania and Khajuria as the main contenders for Udhampur East.

Meanwhile, RS Pathania expressed gratitude to the BJP leadership, including PM Narendra Modi, party president J.P. Nadda, Home Minister Amit Shah, and senior J&K leaders for his nomination. Pathania, BJP spokesperson for Jammu and Kashmir, previously served as MLA from Ramnagar constituency in 2014.

The polling in J&K is scheduled in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with the vote counting on October 8. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)