Ishtiyaq Kar
Srinagar, May 06: Amidst uncertainties among BJP workers and supporters in Kashmir regarding their voting choices for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) moved to clarify its stance on Monday. The party reiterated its electoral strategy, instructing both members and supporters to refrain from backing the Congress, National Conference (NC), and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Reports had emerged suggesting confusion among BJP supporters and workers in Kashmir due to the party’s silence on endorsing candidates in three parliamentary constituencies, notably the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat. In response, the BJP reaffirmed its stance, urging its workers to vote for anyone other than the Congress, NC, and PDP.
Ashok Koul, BJP’s senior leader and General Secretary organization, emphasized the party’s directive, stating, “Our strategy is crystal clear: vote for anyone except the Congress, NC, and PDP. There should be no confusion about it. We have sent a clear message to BJP workers to support alternative candidates as these parties have exploited the people.”
Addressing the confusion among workers, especially in Kashmir valley and the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch, Koul clarified that the party would support candidates committed to welfare and peace.
While the BJP has refrained from fielding candidates in the three seats of the Kashmir valley, it has nominated candidates in Udhampur and Jammu. Koul referred to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s call to reject the Congress, NC, and PDP, labeling them as parties that have “ruined” the region.
“These dynastic parties have brought death and destruction to the valley. They are enemies of Kashmiris, promoting politics of hatred and aiming to revert J&K to the days of violence,” Koul echoed Shah’s sentiments.
Although BJP Chief Ravindera Raina had expressed the party’s initial desire to contest independently in all three Kashmir seats, he had also stressed support for parties committed to Kashmir’s welfare and peace. Jammu and Kashmir Congress Chief Vikar Rasool Wani criticized the BJP for not contesting in Kashmir seats, citing weakness in the region. National Conference leader Omar Abdullah also questioned the BJP’s decision, given its claims of “development post the abrogation of Article 370”. (KNS)
BJP Affirms Election Strategy in Kashmir: Calls for Rejection of Congress, NC, & PDP
