Ram Madhav predicts historic BJP Govt in J&K

Srinagar, Sep 04: As Jammu and Kashmir prepares for its first assembly elections since the abrogation of Article 370, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) functionary and former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary Ram Madhav Wednesday predicted a historic victory for his party, saying that a new government would be formed under BJP’s leadership.

Madhav, who has been involved in BJP’s election strategy in J&K, has termed the upcoming elections as a crucial turning point for the future of the union territory, contrasting his party’s vision with that of the traditional regional powerhouses, the National Conference (NC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP).

During a campaign event on the outskirts of Srinagar, Madhav joined BJP candidate Aijaz Hussain, who filed his nomination from the Lal Chowk constituency.

The senior Sanagh leader told reporters that the BJP was committed to bringing peace, harmony, and development to J&K, which had been marred by conflict and political instability for decades.

Madhav accused the NC and the PDP of attempting to revive what he termed the “bad old days” in J&K.

He alleged that these parties had long relied on terrorist and separatist sentiments to maintain their political influence, leading to the tragic situation J&K had faced for over 34 years.

Madhav said that the BJP’s electoral campaign was a fight against these forces, with a promise to free the people of J&K from the “tragedy” imposed by these families.

“This will prove to be a historic election. We have full faith that those families, because of whom the people of Kashmir and Jammu have been going through a huge tragedy for the past 34 years, will meet their fate. We have full faith that a new leadership will emerge in J&K,” he said.

Madhav said that the BJP would bring peace, harmony, and development to Jammu and the parties that had contested elections to bring back the “bad old days” would be defeated.

“Those who want peace, do not support terrorism, and want development, such parties and leaders will emerge in Kashmir as well. The BJP will bring peace, harmony, and development to Jammu. We remind the people of J&K that the manifestoes that have been brought to take us back to the “bad old days” and the “old troubles” are of the NC, the PDP, and all the people who are openly fighting elections with the help of terrorists,” he said.

The BJP, which released its fourth list of candidates earlier this week is fielding a diverse group of candidates across Kashmir to make inroads in both Kashmir and Jammu.

The party's candidates include the BJP’s J&K unit chief, Ravinder Raina, who is contesting from the Nowshera constituency of the Pir Panjal region. Others include Arif Raja, Ali Muhammad Mir, Zahid Hussain, and Vibodh Gupta.

The BJP's candidate list reflects its strategy to appeal to a broader spectrum of voters, including those in traditionally non-BJP strongholds.

The upcoming election, scheduled to be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, is seen as a litmus test for the BJP's efforts to establish a firm foothold in J&K.

With 90 assembly constituencies at stake, including seven reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and nine for Scheduled Tribes (STs), the elections would determine the political landscape of J&K for the foreseeable future.

The results, which will be announced on October 8, are being closely watched, not just for the outcome but also for the broader implications for peace and stability in J&K.

The BJP's campaign, led by figures like Ram Madhav, has focused on presenting the party as the only viable option for a peaceful and prosperous future for J&K.

By positioning the NC and the PDP as relics of a troubled past, the BJP hopes to galvanise support among voters eager for change and stability in J&K.

As the elections approach, the BJP’s narrative is clear: a vote for the BJP is a vote for a new beginning in J&K, free from the shadows of terror and conflict.

Whether this message resonates with the electorate remains to be seen, but one thing is certain the upcoming elections will be a defining moment in J&K history.