Behind the scenes, Ram Madhav leads BJP's push for 50 seats in J&K elections

Challenging NC and PDP, keeps options open for future alliances

JAMMU: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been meticulously working under a well-planned strategy to expand its influence in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), with a primary focus on blooming the lotus, the party's symbol in Kashmir.
The person spearheading this critical mission is Ram Madhav, BJP's election in-charge for the region. Known for his behind-the-scenes approach, Madhav has been actively participating in secret meetings to fine-tune the strategy, without making many public appearances.
His role in steering the party's efforts in J&K elections is significant, having already played a crucial part in BJP’s 2014 campaign as its General Secretary.
The BJP has set its sights on securing over 50 seats in the J&K Assembly elections. To achieve this ambitious goal, many of the party’s leaders, including Union Ministers, MLAs, and national spokespersons, have been making regular visits to different assembly constituencies.
These efforts reflect the party’s determination to make inroads into regions where they previously had little foothold, particularly in Kashmir, where political dynamics are complex and often differ from the rest of the state.
Ram Madhav's current focus, as reported by sources, is on two critical areas: damage control within the party and the development of an effective internal strategy. His ability to navigate difficult situations has made him an indispensable figure in the BJP, particularly in J&K’s volatile political landscape.
"A good number of youth are coming forward and they should be supported. This state was under the grip of two families, those two families needed to be shown the door. This state needs to be rid of those families," Ram Madah had said, referring to the families of NC president Farooq Abdullah and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti.
“His moves are so covert that even the party’s common cadre is often unaware of his presence in the region. He reportedly travels to Kashmir late in the evening, holds key meetings, and returns to Delhi early the next morning, keeping his activities under wraps,” said one of the associates close to Ram Madhav .
Sources say that though Madhav is challenging NC and PDP for showing them doors, besides keeping a close vigil on independent candidates in the valley, he is also managing Hawk’s eye on both regional parties for later needs , if arisen.
“His strategy in Kashmir includes identifying strong independent candidates in constituencies where the BJP believes it has a better chance of success. While BJP’s State President Ravindra Raina has publicly stated that independent candidates are being sought for key positions, the overall strategy to build influence in Kashmir seems to be guided by Madhav’s precise calculations, said a political analyst .
In the 2014 J&K Assembly elections, BJP secured 25 seats, while the People's Democratic Party (PDP) won 28 seats. Neither party achieved an absolute majority, leading to an alliance between the BJP and PDP, which was born out of necessity rather than ideological alignment.
The two parties had divergent views on several issues, such as Article 370, the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), and the future of refugees from Pakistan. However, Ram Madhav played the role of chief negotiator between the two sides, helping to facilitate the eventual formation of a coalition government under the leadership of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.
As BJP refines its strategy for the upcoming elections, Ram Madhav’s leadership will likely continue to play a pivotal role in the party’s efforts to increase its presence in Kashmir, with the overarching goal of turning the region into fertile ground for the blooming of the lotus.

Updated On 9/7/2024 3:19:42 AM