Not fielding candidates on all seats of valley deliberate strategy of BJP: Jitendra

'J&K faces 3 decades of terrorism because of perpetuated disharmony of 2 families'

SRINAGAR: As the electoral atmosphere intensifies in Jammu and Kashmir, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken a calculated decision to field candidates in only a select number of constituencies in the Kashmir Valley.
This move, according to Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, is a strategic choice that reflects the party’s broader electoral objectives rather than a reflection of the region's peace or security situation.
Speaking to the media in Srinagar on Wednesday, Dr. Singh emphasized that the BJP’s decision to field only seven candidates across 16 assembly constituencies in the valley districts of Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, and Shopian is part of a deliberate strategy. “It is a strategic decision of every political party. This is also our strategic move,” he remarked, dismissing any correlation between the number of candidates fielded and the incidents of stone pelting or the overall peace in the region.
Dr. Singh's comments come at a critical time, with elections in these districts slated for September 25 as part of the first phase of the assembly polls. The BJP’s choice to contest in fewer seats is viewed as a tactical effort to consolidate its position in areas where it has identified potential support, rather than spreading its resources thin across all constituencies.
In the same breath, Dr. Singh responded to recent criticisms from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who during his campaign visit to Jammu and Kashmir accused the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of fostering an environment of hatred in the region. Gandhi’s remarks, made in Ramban, suggested that the BJP’s policies were exacerbating tensions in Jammu and Kashmir, a region that has witnessed decades of conflict and political turmoil.
Countering these claims, Dr. Singh attributed the region’s prolonged unrest to the misgovernance by previous administrations, particularly the two political dynasties that have historically dominated Kashmiri politics. He argued that the BJP, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, has worked tirelessly to restore peace and stability in the region.
“Because of the hatred and disharmony perpetuated by the two families, the country and the people of Jammu and Kashmir have had to face three decades of terrorism,” Dr. Singh asserted.
He further pointed to Rahul Gandhi’s recent visit to Lal Chowk in Srinagar as a testament to the improved security situation under the current government. “After a lot of efforts, PM Modi has restored peace and created an atmosphere where Rahul Gandhi can relish Kebab in Ahdoos and ice cream in Lal Chowk,” Dr. Singh remarked, highlighting the stark contrast between the current peaceful environment and the turbulent past.
Addressing a rally in Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar, Dr. Singh hailed what he described as a “new democratic dawn” for Kashmir, urging the people to continue supporting the BJP to ensure stability and progress. He noted the significant increase in voter turnout in recent elections, which he said is a clear indicator that the public has restored its faith in the democratic process. This surge in participation, according to Dr. Singh, is an endorsement of the BJP’s reforms and a rejection of the old political order.
Dr. Singh was particularly critical of the previous “self-rule” model, which he claimed had failed to deliver real self-government or good governance in the region. Instead, he argued, it perpetuated a cycle of inefficient leadership and political stagnation.
“The days of obsolete, dislocated leadership are over,” he declared, positioning the BJP’s leadership as a breath of fresh air in Kashmir’s political environment.
He urged the electorate to seize this “moment of destiny” to secure a stable and progressive government that would benefit not just the current generation, but future ones as well. Dr. Singh emphasized that the BJP’s approach represents a necessary and effective transition from the failed policies of the past, highlighting the party’s focus on true representation and good governance.
As the election date approaches, Dr. Singh’s remarks have brought the BJP’s strategy into sharp focus, revealing the party’s intent to solidify its political position in Kashmir by blending local governance issues with broader national progress. His call to action resonated with the audience, signaling strong support for the BJP’s vision for the region.