BJP Releases Revised Candidate List Amid Party Discontent for Jammu & Kashmir Elections

The BJP named 16 candidates for the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections amid internal party disagreements over the initial list. This revised list includes three former MLAs and a woman candidate, Shagun Parihar. Some party members protested what they termed 'parachute candidates' over loyal workers.

On Monday, the BJP announced 16 candidates for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections' first phase, scheduled for September 18, amid internal party disagreements.

The initial list of 44 candidates was revised a few hours later, leading to protests by party members who accused the leadership of favoring 'parachute candidates' over loyal workers.

Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina attempted to downplay the dissent, asserting that all party decisions aim for the greater good. The revised list includes three former MLAs and Shagun Parihar, whose father and uncle were killed by terrorists in 2018.

The BJP's Central Election Committee finalized the list of 16 candidates after extensive discussions, with subsequent lists for the second and third phases expected soon.

As election preparations continue, the BJP aims to maintain its stronghold in the Jammu region, a significant stronghold since 2014.

(With inputs from agencies.)