The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially nominated its Jammu and Kashmir unit chief, Ravinder Raina, to contest from the Nowshera constituency in the upcoming assembly elections. This announcement came as part of the BJP’s fourth list of candidates, which includes six names, bringing the total to 51 candidates for the 90-member assembly. The elections are set to take place in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with results expected on October 8.
Candidate List Overview
The latest list of candidates includes:
- Ravinder Raina for Nowshera
- Aijaz Hussain for Lal Chowk
- Arif Raja for Edigah
- Ali Mohammad Mir for Khansahib
- Zahid Hussain for Chrar-i-Sharief
- Vibodh Gupta for Rajouri
This strategic move to field Raina from Nowshera is significant as he has previously represented this constituency and holds a prominent position within the party.
The Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections are particularly noteworthy as they will be the first since the region’s status changed in 2019, following the abrogation of Article 370. The BJP is keen to strengthen its position in the region, especially in Jammu, which is considered a stronghold for the party. The last assembly elections were held in 2014, and since then, the political landscape has undergone considerable changes, including the dissolution of the assembly in 2018 and the subsequent political realignments.
Despite the BJP’s efforts to present a united front, there are signs of internal strife, particularly regarding candidate selections. Some veteran leaders, including former deputy chief ministers, have been dropped from the candidate lists, leading to dissatisfaction among party ranks. Reports indicate that discontent is brewing, especially among long-standing party members who feel sidelined in favor of newer entrants or defectors.
Security Measures
As the elections approach, the central government has deployed nearly 300 companies of paramilitary forces to ensure security during the polling process, especially in areas that have seen a rise in terror-related incidents. This decision underscores the challenges faced in conducting elections in a region with a complex security situation.
The nomination of Ravinder Raina from Nowshera marks a critical step for the BJP as it prepares for the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. With a total of 51 candidates announced and significant security measures in place, the party aims to consolidate its influence in the region amidst internal challenges and a shifting political landscape. The upcoming elections will not only test the BJP’s strategies but also reflect the sentiments of the electorate in a region that has seen considerable turmoil and change in recent years.