||Black and White Digital News ||

||August ||28 ,2024 ||

Srinagar: In a bold and decisive move ahead of the much-anticipated Legislative Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced its candidates for 29 key constituencies across Jammu and Kashmir. The announcement marks a significant strategic step by the party, aiming to secure a stronger foothold in the region as political temperature rises with the election season in full swing.

Among the standout names in the list is Ashok Bhat for Kashmir, who will be contesting from the prestigious and historically significant Habba Kadal constituency in Srinagar. Bhat, a seasoned political figure, is expected to lead a robust campaign for the BJP in the Valley, symbolizing the party’s continuing efforts to expand its influence in the Kashmir region.

The BJP’s candidate list reflects a tactical balance between experienced leaders and newer faces, highlighting the party’s drive to appeal across diverse regions in J&K. Mohammad Akram Chaudhary has been entrusted with the responsibility of contesting from the politically volatile Gulabgarh constituency, while Kuldeep Raj Dubey will battle for the Reasi seat. Baldev Raj Sharma, another influential figure, will vie for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi seat, which holds both symbolic and political weight.

Other prominent candidates include Thakur Randhir Singh from Kalakote-Rajouri, a seasoned politician with deep roots in the region, and Chowdhary Zulfikar Ali from Budhal, whose candidacy is seen as a calculated effort by the BJP to tap into the traditional vote base in the Rajouri-Poonch belt. The party has also fielded Mohd. Iqbal Malik from Thannamandi and Syed Mushtaq Ahmad Bukhari from Surankote, two key constituencies in Poonch district where the competition is expected to be fierce.

In the adjoining Poonch Haveli constituency, Chowdhary Abdul Gani has been given the party’s ticket, while Murtaza Khan will represent BJP in the hotly contested Mendhar constituency. Both candidates are expected to challenge the political dominance of local players, with the BJP banking on their experience and regional appeal.

Pawan Gupta, a well-known political figure in the Udhampur region, will contest from Udhampur West, while the party’s firebrand leader, Balwant Singh Mankotia, will contest from Chenani. The BJP’s choice of candidates from Udhampur reflects its commitment to consolidating its base in the Jammu region, which has long been a stronghold for the party.

Further down the list, Sunil Bhardwaj will contest from Ramnagar, and Jeevan Lal from Bani, both representing constituencies where BJP is looking to secure a definitive victory. Satish Sharma will fight for the Bilawar seat, and Darshan Singh will be the face of the party in Basohli, both regions with significant BJP presence.

Rajiv Jasrotia, a prominent leader, will fight from Jasrota, while Adv Vijay Kumar Sharma has been chosen to represent the party from Hiranagar. In a significant nomination, Chandra Prakash Ganga, a stalwart leader, will contest from Vijaypur, while Gharu Ram Bhagat will fight for Suchetgarh, further bolstering the BJP’s presence in key constituencies.

The list also includes Dr. Devinder Kumar Maniyal for Ramgarh and Surjit Singh Slathia for Samba, two constituencies where the BJP aims to solidify its dominance. From R. S. Pura-Jammu South, Dr. Narinder Singh Raina has been chosen, while Yudhvir Sethi will contest from Jammu East, both reflecting the party’s emphasis on the strategically crucial Jammu region.

The heavyweight Devinder Singh Rana has been tasked with contesting from Nagrota, while Arvind Gupta, a young and dynamic leader, will fight for Jammu West. Sham Lal Sharma will represent the party from Jammu North, with Mohan Lal Bhagat contesting from Akhnoor. Rajeev Sharma has been selected to represent Chhamb, rounding out the list of prominent candidates across Jammu.

This latest announcement is being seen as a carefully crafted strategy by the BJP to challenge the traditional political order in Jammu and Kashmir. The party has put forth a blend of experienced leaders and fresh faces to engage with diverse voter demographics across the state, aiming to make significant inroads in the upcoming elections.

With the region’s political landscape as dynamic as ever, all eyes are now on the BJP’s ambitious and well-rounded lineup. Will this bold strategy deliver the desired results for the party? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—the battle for Jammu and Kashmir’s Legislative Assembly is set to be an intense political showdown.