J&K Assembly Polls: BJP Eyes Dominance Amid Historic Voter Turnout

BJP leader Darakhshan Andrabi claims the Bharatiya Janata Party is crucial for government formation in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the region's support for Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Union Minister Amit Shah highlights ending the long-standing rule of the Gandhi, Abdullah, and Mufti families.

Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board Chairperson and BJP leader Darakhshan Andrabi asserted on Saturday that the regional populace dismisses the Congress, National Conference, and PDP, indicating a government can't be formed without the Bharatiya Janata Party. Andrabi stated, 'The Pahadis have embraced Amit Shah and PM Modi in their hearts, acknowledging our government's unparalleled achievements in 75 years. If anyone considered these people in the last five to six years, it is us. People eagerly attend Amit Shah's speeches because our Prime Minister speaks for their welfare.'

Addressing the upcoming assembly polls, Andrabi predicted a resounding BJP victory. 'Our candidates will triumph due to robust public support. Presently, voters prioritize development and recognize that parties like PDP, NC, and Congress have only caused bloodshed. They are irrelevant now,' she asserted.

'No government will form without BJP,' Andrabi concluded. Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared the J&K assembly election aims to dismantle the dominance of the Gandhi, Abdullah, and Mufti families, who, post-independence, have stifled democracy. Shah emphasized that PM Modi has reinstated grassroots democracy in the Union Territory, empowering 30,000 youths as future political leaders.

In the first polling phase, a voter turnout of 61.13 percent was reported across 24 constituencies in seven districts. Kishtwar recorded the highest turnout at 80.14 percent, with other districts like Ramban and Doda also showing robust participation. Conversely, Pulwama recorded the lowest at 46.65 percent.

The second and third phases of the Assembly elections are slated for September 25 and October 1, with vote counting scheduled for October 8.

(With inputs from agencies.)