Madhav’s Mission: Calming dissent, strengthening BJP’s campaign

Srinagar, Sep 03: With the saffron party all set to release another list of candidates for north Kashmir, senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) functionary and former BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav arrived in Kashmir on Tuesday.

His visit underscores the party’s strategic focus on Kashmir, particularly north Kashmir, where it is poised to announce its candidate list within the next four days.

Madhav visited J&K a few times during the last few days.

He held closed-door discussions with several disgruntled party leaders who have expressed concerns over the BJP’s internal dynamics and candidate selection process.

Madhav’s intervention is seen as a damage control measure aimed at quelling dissent within the party ranks ahead of the crucial polls.

Sources in the BJP said that Madhav’s visit is not merely ceremonial.

“He is expected to meet with candidates fielded in central Kashmir, especially in the Lal Chowk constituency, where Aijaz Hussain is slated to file his nomination papers on Wednesday,” sources said.

Madhav’s presence at the Deputy Commissioner's office on Wednesday could be a significant show of support for the candidate, symbolising the BJP’s commitment to making inroads in Kashmir, historically dominated by regional parties.

Sources said that the BJP’s strategy in Kashmir is marked by a calculated approach to contesting seats across Kashmir.

In south Kashmir, a region known for its insurgency and voter apathy, the BJP has fielded eight candidates, reflecting its ambition to challenge the traditional dominance of the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In central Kashmir, the party is contesting five seats in Srinagar and Budgam districts, including key constituencies like Eidgah, Lal Chowk, Habba Kadal, Khan Sahab, and Charar-e-Sharief.

However, the BJP's efforts in north Kashmir are equally critical.

The party is likely to contest from key constituencies like Uri, Baramulla, Pattan, Gurez, Karnah, Sumbal, Trehgam, and Lolab.

This move is seen as an attempt to consolidate its position across Kashmir, leveraging the central government’s development initiatives and security measures.

Despite the BJP’s confidence in its electoral strategy in Kashmir, the situation in Jammu is fraught with challenges.

Reports of dissent within the party’s Jammu unit have surfaced, with several senior leaders expressing dissatisfaction over the candidate selection process.

The discontent is primarily centred around the allocation of tickets, with some leaders feeling sidelined in favour of newcomers or those perceived to have closer ties with the central leadership.

The party’s leadership in Jammu, including BJP J&K unit chief Ravinder Raina, Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma, and Union Minister Jitendra Singh, has launched a concerted effort to address these internal issues.

Madhav, along with Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, National General Secretary Tarun Chugh, and national spokesman R P Singh, has been actively engaged in discussions with disgruntled leaders, aiming to placate those who feel alienated by the candidate selection process.

Madhav’s recent visits to J&K, including his current one, are seen as part of the election strategy.

His closed-door discussions with party leaders are intended to quell dissent and ensure a united front ahead of the crucial assembly elections.