BJP to emerge as single largest party in J&K: Ravinder Raina

Jammu, Oct 3: J&K Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Ravinder Raina Thursday reiterated that his party would “emerge as the single largest party on October 8 and form government on its own with absolute majority.”

While addressing a press conference here, Raina, however, evaded all queries pertaining to the party’s option in case of fractured mandate.

Who would be “Dogra Chief Minister” if BJP “managed to win absolute majority”? Would BJP enter into alliance with National Conference or any other regional force, if needed to form a government? Will BJP compromise on its stance on Article 370 to form a government if people deliver fractured mandate?

Raina responded to all these queries with a single liner, “Wait till October 8.” “As far as I’m concerned, I believe that BJP will be blessed with a huge mandate, enough to form a government on its own with absolute majority. The overwhelming participation of people in these elections has ensured that BJP will emerge as the single largest party in J&K on October 8 - the day election results will be announced,” he said.

J&K BJP Working President Sat Sharma; former Deputy Chief Ministers Dr Nirmal Singh, Kavinder Gupta and senior leader Rafiq Wani accompanied Raina during the press conference at BJP Headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu.

Raina said that for the first time in the past ten years, J&K witnessed historic polls that saw record participation of people. “Earlier in Lok Sabha polls of 2024, people overwhelmingly participated, similar enthusiasm was there in assembly polls this time,” he said.

“It was for the first time that J&K witnessed the most peaceful polls. The way people voted signals that people have expressed faith in democracy and also in the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that entails, ‘Sab Ka Saath, Sab ka Vikas and Sab ka Vishwas’,” Raina said.

He stated that the extensive campaigning of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP national president J P Nadda, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath besides other senior leaders of the party in Jammu that saw massive participation of people, would bear fruit.

He exuded confidence that not only in Jammu but also in Kashmir ‘Lotus’ would bloom. Raina thanked the voters as well as the police, CRPF, BSF, SSB and other security agencies besides Village Defence Guards (VDGs) for ensuring smooth, successful and the most peaceful elections in J&K.

“I also thank the Election Commission of India (ECI) for making up to the mark arrangements in J&K for smooth conduct of polls. I also thank the Chief Electoral Office and LG administration for making elaborate arrangements for peaceful and hassle-free elections in J&K,” he said.

The J&K BJP President also extended gratitude to the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister and the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for fully cooperating with the poll body and providing it all desired assistance for ensuring free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections.

While extending Navratra greetings to the people of J&K, Raina said that the party would celebrate Navratra with BJP’s victory on October 8.