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In the wake of the consecration of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has swiftly shifted its focus to Jammu and Kashmir, where uncertainties persist regarding the scheduling of elections. The party recently conducted the inaugural meeting of its State Election Committee (SEC) in the Union Territory, followed by a workshop on the nationwide ‘Gaon Chalo Abhiyan’ campaign.
While the preparations seem geared towards the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, where the BJP secured 2 out of the 5 seats in 2019, the uncertainty surrounding the next Assembly polls, last held in 2014, adds complexity to the political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing party members at the SEC meeting, BJP J&K president Ravinder Raina emphasized the challenge of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, outlining the party’s objective to not only retain the seats won previously but also increase their tally. Raina discussed various departments and their assigned responsibilities in this regard.
The ‘Gaon Chalo Abhiyaan,’ set to commence after January 26, involves BJP functionaries spending at least 24 hours in villages to comprehend local issues and ensure that the target population benefits from public welfare schemes.
The SEC meeting and the ‘Gaon Chalo Abhiyaan’ workshop, both occurring five days after the BJP’s core group meeting to strategize for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, demonstrate the party’s proactive approach.
While the BJP anticipates a relatively straightforward victory in Jammu and Udhampur, where it faces less formidable opponents, challenges in Anantnag persist. The addition of Poonch and Rajouri post the 2022 delimitation exercise could alter political dynamics in Anantnag, enhancing BJP’s prospects.
The political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir has seen significant shifts, with Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad forming the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), potentially dividing Congress votes in the region. Delimitation has also increased the significance of Gujjar-Bakerwal, Pahari Muslim, and Hindu voters in Poonch and Rajouri, providing the BJP with new opportunities.
The upcoming elections in Anantnag are marked by the potential inclusion of prominent Gujjar leader Mian Altaf by the National Conference (NC) and the aspirations of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for its president Mehbooba Mufti. Both parties are part of the Gupkar Alliance, united in their fight against the abrogation of Article 370.
The BJP’s strategic focus on tribals, evident in its nomination of a tribal member to the Rajya Sabha and support during critical incidents, showcases its efforts to broaden its appeal. The party is positioning itself for a dynamic and challenging electoral landscape in Jammu and Kashmir, leveraging recent developments and aligning its strategy with the evolving political scenario.
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