BJP finalises 50 candidates in J&K; may field several Muslims in Poonch Belt

The BJP has finalised candidates for more than 50 seats in Jammu and Kashmir and may field several Muslim candidates in Poonch-Rajouri region, according to sources.

The BJP's Central Election Committee, chaired by party chief JP Nadda and attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, met with Jammu and Kashmir unit leaders to discuss the candidates.

The BJP is likely to contest on 60-70 seats and may support Independents on other seats, sources said.


According to sources, Ravinder Raina, the BJP's Jammu and Kashmir unit chief, may contest from Nowshera in the Poonch-Rajouri region.

Similarly, the BJP can field former Deputy Chief Ministers of J&K, Nirmal Singh from Basholi and Kavinder Gupta from Bahu in Jammu city.

Devender Rana, a former National Conference leader, may contest from Nagarota. Rana was the lone Hindu MLA from outside the BJP in the last assembly of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chanani assembly seat could be contested by uncle and nephew, with the BJP considering Balwant Singh Mankotia for the seat. His nephew and Panthers Party chief Harsh Dev Singh is also eyeing this seat.

According to sources, in Poonch-Rajouri, BJP is considering fielding several Muslim candidates in Bakharwal Gurjar-dominated regions. Many prominent members of the community, like Gani Chowdhury, have recently joined the BJP.

According to BJP insiders, the party may include a promise of statehood in its manifesto.

BJP leaders are confident of a strong showing in 11 seats in Jammu, 4 in Udhampur, 6 in Kathua, 3 each in Sambha and Riyasi. The party also expects to do well in five seats in Doda and many seats in the Poonch-Rajouri region.

In Kashmir valley, the BJP is confident about the Habbakadal seat.

PM is likely to address around 8-10 rallies in Jammu and Kashmir for assembly polls, sources said.