Political Unrest: BJP Leaders File Independent Nominations in Jammu and Kashmir

Pawan Khajuria, BJP vice president from Jammu and Kashmir, has filed his nomination as an independent candidate from Udhampur East amid internal party tensions over ticket distribution. Several other BJP leaders have also submitted nominations from various constituencies. The elections are slated to be held in three phases, with counting on October 8.

Pawan Khajuria, vice president of the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir, filed his nomination papers as an independent candidate from the Udhampur East assembly segment on Wednesday. This move comes amidst brewing unrest within the party over the distribution of tickets.

Khajuria's decision followed a two-day ultimatum to party leadership to replace the official candidate, former MLA R S Pathania, whom Khajuria accused of campaigning against the BJP during the Lok Sabha polls. After serving the party for 35 years, Khajuria claimed he had to step forward to address the concerns of dejected party workers.

The unrest within BJP continues as more leaders express their dissatisfaction. Chander Mohan Sharma has also filed nomination papers as an independent from Jammu East, following the party's decision to nominate Yudhvir Sethi. Additional rebel candidates have emerged from Ramban and Padder-Nagseni constituencies in Chenab Valley.

Other prominent figures, including senior leaders from BJP and Congress, also filed their nominations, signaling a competitive election ahead. Union Minister Jitendra Singh remains confident in BJP's ability to secure a majority. He dismissed opposition claims of tampered EVMs and stressed that such statements indicate a lack of confidence among rivals.

The elections will occur in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1, with vote counting scheduled for October 8.

(With inputs from agencies.)