SRINAGAR: Excitement and anticipation are mounting in Jammu and Kashmir as the political landscape heats up with the political parties announcing the candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has revealed its initial picks, maintaining continuity by fielding Dr Jitender Singh and Jugal Kishore Sharma for the Udhampur and Jammu seats respectively, showcasing confidence in their incumbents.
Amidst the flurry of activities in the region, attention now shifts to the forthcoming declarations from the regional parties, expected within the next 10 days. Chief Spokesperson of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC), Tanvir Sadiq, voiced criticism over the delay in holding assembly elections, attributing it to what he deemed as a lack of confidence in the BJP.
“It’s the lack of confidence in BJP that has made them delay polls in Jammu and Kashmir,” Sadiq said.
However, amidst the political rhetoric, the desire for unity and collaboration emerges as a central theme. Despite initial tensions sparked by statements from various parties, including JKNC supremo Dr Farooq Abdullah’s remarks on independent electoral pursuits, reassurance has been swiftly offered. Omar Abdullah, stressing the significance of alliances, underlines the National Conference’s commitment to the INDIA alliance, emphasising ongoing discussions regarding seat allocations in the Jammu region.
“The position of the National Conference is very clear that alliance is important in the interest of Jammu and Kashmir and while three seats in Kashmir region are already held by the constituents of the INDIA alliance, there’s a need to have discussions with the alliance partners on two seats of Jammu region and one seat of Leh,” Sadiq said. He further added that the party’s vice president is in Delhi right now and conducting deliberations with “Congress” on the seats.
“After a few days, the alliance will happen but on seats, that we will have to see in coming days,” he added.
Speculations surrounding potential fractures within the INDIA alliance in the Kashmir region are addressed with calls for unity. Mohit Bhan of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) highlights the importance of presenting a united front to represent the aspirations of the people effectively. Emphasising collaboration over individual interests, Bhan recalls the efforts initiated by PDP president Mehbooba Mufti to foster cohesion among regional leaders.
“It’s not just about the three seats of Kashmir region which our friends are speaking about but what’s critical is how the parliamentarians of Jammu and Kashmir show a united front and appraise 125 crore Indians across the country about what has been happening here in J&K,” Bhan said.
Responding to NC’s stance of holding three seats in the Kashmir region, Bhan said, “My way or highway doesn’t work in politics, if any constituent of the alliance is rigid on breaking the unity, then it’s for the people of Jammu and Kashmir to decide as to who is for and who is against people’s aspirations.”
Amid these discussions, BJP’s Devender Singh Rana expresses optimism about the party’s prospects, forecasting a remarkable performance across the country, including in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. Insisting his party would retain power with 400 + seats in the country, he said Jammu and Kashmir would respond on similar lines. “The performance of BJP will be record-breaking and will set a new benchmark in the politics of Jammu and Kashmir,” he insisted.
Up North, the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference threw the hat first for the North Kashmir seat, proposing party chairman Sajad Lone as the candidate. Lone colleague and former lawmaker, Bashir Ahmad Dar said the party is not bothered about alliances. The party will decide on the two seats of the Kashmir region in the coming days. Unconfirmed reports suggest Handwara might be reserved for women in assembly elections.
Former lawmaker Batamallo, who is now Apni Party leader, Noor Mohammad Sheikh said that they will be contesting on all the five seats of Jammu and Kashmir. “We will neither seek support nor give support to anyone in the polls but fight on our own,” he said.
With Prime Minister Modi’s imminent visit to Jammu and Kashmir, anticipation grows for his address just days before the model code of conduct is enforced.
The political atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir is undoubtedly charged, with stakeholders manoeuvring to secure favourable positions. As alliances are weighed and electoral strategies formulated, all eyes remain fixed on the evolving dynamics that will shape the region’s political future.
