Chaos has erupted within the BJP regarding the announcement of candidates for Jammu and Kashmir. Videos have surfaced showing party workers protesting in the party office. The discord began on Monday around 10 AM when the BJP first released a list of 44 candidates for all three phases of the elections.
Yet, within two hours, the list was withdrawn. The party stated that the list would be re-issued after some amendments. About an hour later, the revised list was released. Only 15 names for the first phase were confirmed, and later another list was issued announcing only one candidate. So far, a total of 16 candidates have been declared.
Initial List of 44 Candidates Scrapped...
On Monday, the BJP released a list of 44 candidates for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. However, the list was retracted within two hours, and only the names of 15 candidates for the first phase were announced.
Chaos Ensued in the Party Office
Even after retracting the list, the anger among party workers did not subside. Workers besieged the state president, Ravinder Raina, at the Jammu and Kashmir BJP office, voicing displeasure that grassroots leaders were overlooked. Simultaneously, supporters of senior BJP leader Omi Khajuria caused a commotion.
Ravinder Raina's Office Besieged
Angry workers surrounded State President Ravinder Raina's office. The situation worsened to the point where Raina locked himself inside his cabin, and security personnel were stationed outside.
Why are the Workers Protesting?
An irate worker expressed to a news outlet that diligent BJP workers are seemingly overlooked. They questioned the decision to leave certain seats, like Kishtwar, uncontested and raised concerns about potential loss of seats. Supporters also chanted slogans for Omi Khajuria's candidacy.
'No Parachute Candidates'
Omi Khajuria, a senior BJP leader in Jammu, hoped to be a candidate for the Jammu North seat. However, his name was not in the initial list, prompting his supporters to protest at the party office. Although the list was retracted, and a new list was issued later.
A supporter insisted that grounded leaders like Omi Khajuria are needed, not parachuted candidates. They warned that protests would continue until Khajuria receives a ticket.
Will Speak to Every Worker: Ravinder Raina
Ravinder Raina appealed to the protesters through the media, assuring them of individual meetings and respect for all opinions. He emphasized that BJP workers should unite and resolve their issues collectively.
Why the BJP Retracted Other Candidate Names
Sources revealed that several senior BJP leaders' names were absent from the initial list. Notably, former deputy CM Nirmal Singh, who won in 2014 from the Billawar assembly seat, was replaced by Satish Sharma. Former deputy CM Kavinder Gupta’s name was also missing, along with Ravinder Raina himself.
In response to the displeasure expressed by multiple senior leaders, the BJP decided to retract the list.
The revised list included one woman candidate and one Kashmiri Pandit. The BJP nominated Kashmiri Pandit Veer Saraf from Shangus-Anantnag East in the Kashmir Valley and Shagun Parihar from Kishtwar as the sole female candidate.
Shagun Parihar’s Reaction
Expressing happiness over receiving the ticket, Shagun Parihar thanked PM Modi, JP Nadda, and everyone who supported her. She voiced her confidence in winning Kishtwar's people's support as their daughter.
Three phases of elections are scheduled in Jammu and Kashmir. The results will be announced on October 4. Voting will occur in 24 seats in the first phase, 26 seats in the second phase, and 40 seats in the third phase.
BJP Central Election Committee Meeting Held Sunday
Notably, a meeting of the BJP's Central Election Committee was held in New Delhi on Sunday regarding the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. Attendees included PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President JP Nadda, and several senior leaders. Discussions covered election strategies, issues, candidate names, and potential rallies by PM Modi in the state. Speculation suggested that candidate names would be announced by Monday morning.
PM Modi's Two Rallies in Kashmir
Sources confirm that it was decided in the meeting that PM Modi would hold one to two rallies in Kashmir and eight to ten rallies in Jammu. The Election Commission has announced voting dates for the state's 90 assembly seats, scheduled for September 18, September 25, and October 1. The union territory will hold elections in three phases due to its sensitive security situation.
