The BJP is in trouble in Jammu and Kashmir as the assembly elections approach. Party leaders and workers protested outside the BJP office, upset over the candidate list for the first phase of voting.
Today, the BJP announced 16 candidates for the initial phase. However, chaos followed when those who didn’t get tickets staged a protest outside the party office.
Earlier in the day, the BJP released a list of candidates for 44 seats but withdrew it within an hour. The decision was made after leaders and workers expressed anger over ticket distribution. Later, the BJP released a new list with only 16 names.
Supporters of candidates like Omi Khajuria were particularly vocal. One protester said, “We’ve been loyal to the BJP since we became voters. Why are they ignoring us? Omi Khajuria is well-known in North Jammu, yet they gave the ticket to a former Congress leader. If Omi doesn’t get the ticket, we will resign.”
The discontent isn’t limited to one seat. Leaders and workers from several constituencies demanded answers, questioning why loyal members were passed over.
The first phase of voting in Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled for September 18, with the BJP having announced 15 candidates. The lists for the remaining two phases will be released later.
This election is the first since the abrogation of Article 370. Voting will be held in 90 seats, with the second phase on October 25 and the third phase on October 1. The deadline for submitting nominations for the first phase is August 27.