LS, assembly polls in J&K | ECI to take call, BJP always in ready-mode: Raina

Jammu, Feb 14: J&K Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Ravinder Raina Wednesday reiterated that his party was in perfect “ready-mode”, as always, for (contesting) any election, be it parliamentary, assembly or any other (polls) as and when the Election Commission of India (ECI) would take a call.

Meanwhile, veteran Pahari leader from Rajouri-Poonch and former minister Syed Mushtaq Bukhari will join BJP tomorrow, in the presence of Raina and other senior party leaders, at the party office. Within a week, Bukhari will be the second prominent leader from the sub-region following Dr Shehnaz Ganai to join BJP - both after severing ties with the National Conference a couple of years ago.

“Be it assembly elections or the parliamentary election in J&K (like any other part of the country), when these elections are to be conducted, this call is to be taken by the Election Commission of India. This decision comes in the ambit or jurisdiction of ECI whether or when it announces the conduct of parliamentary polls, assembly elections or any other elections (together or separately). As and when ECI announces (the conduct of) any elections – Lok Sabha, assembly or other polls, BJP is fully ready to contest,” Raina said, while addressing a press conference at the party office

Senior BJP leader and MP Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha constituency Jugal Kishora Sharma also accompanied Raina, besides others in the presser, specially organised in connection with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ensuing visit to J&K on February 20, when he is also scheduled to address a mega rally at M A Stadium Jammu.

When asked if the invitation for PM’s mega rally was extended to the senior leaders from other (mainstream regional or national) parties as well or if there’s any possibility of joining any heavyweights (from other parties) in the presence of the Prime Minister, Raina came out with a precise and guarded reaction. “When I say all the people of J&K are heartily welcome to attend the Prime Minister’s rally, this expression (all the people) includes all, including the senior leaders, you are mentioning. Anyone, whosoever comes to attend the PM’s rally and listen to him, will be welcome, whole-heartedly,” the J&K BJP president said.

With regard to queries about Pulwama attack anniversary, which was being observed today, Raina said, “Nation would never forget sacrifice of Pulwama martyrs. They laid down their lives in the line of duty for the nation. We will always remain indebted to them.”