BJP Eyes Assembly Polls in J&K Amidst High Hopes

BJP leader Gulam Ali Khatana is optimistic about the party’s performance in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. Polling will occur in three phases starting September 18, with results on October 4. This marks the first elections post-Article 370 abrogation.

BJP leader Gulam Ali Khatana, a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha representing Jammu and Kashmir, remains optimistic that voters will back the party in the upcoming assembly polls in the Union Territory next month. According to the Election Commission of India, voting will be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with results announced on October 4.

'The BJP has a parliamentary board and an election committee formed in Jammu and Kashmir, of which I am a member. Importantly, the BJP is contesting elections here,' Khatana told ANI, emphasizing the party's commitment to democracy.

Khatana highlighted the commitments made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and pointed out the Supreme Court's mandate to hold elections by September. He expressed hope that residents would support the BJP in forming the government in the Union Territory.

'Hopefully, people will give us a chance,' he said. These elections are the first in Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kashmir in March, announcing development packages worth crores to enhance agriculture and tourism prospects. The election body has instructed enforcement agencies to ensure impartiality and transparency, aiming for a fair polling process and a level playing field.

The elections will cover 90 assembly constituencies: 74 general, nine for ST, and seven for SC categories. With a voter base of 87.09 lakh, the electorate includes 44.46 lakh males, 42.62 lakh females, 169 transgenders, 82,590 persons with disabilities, 73,943 senior citizens, 2,660 centenarians, 76,092 service voters, and 3.71 lakh first-time voters. This election marks an important return to democratic processes in J&K, with the last assembly elections held in 2014. The PDP-BJP coalition government collapsed in June 2018 following BJP's withdrawal of support.

Last December, the Supreme Court directed the Centre to complete the election process by September 30, 2024.