J-K Elections: BJP withdraws first list of candidates, revised names to be out soon

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday withdrew its initial list of 44 candidates for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir elections, just over an hour after announcing it, according to ANI. The list is expected to be amended and re-released soon.

The saffron party's initial list consisted of 15, 10 and 19 candidates for the first, second and third phase, respectively.



Prominent names on the list were Er. Syed Showkat Gayoor Andrabi from Pampore, Mohd. Rafiq Wani from Anantnag West, and Devender Singh Rana from Nagrota.

The BJP, which will contest the elections without forming any alliances, is likely to field candidates for 60-70 seats while supporting Independents in other constituencies, as per ET sources. The party is also expected to include several Muslim leaders in its revised list.

Jammu and Kashmir is set to vote in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, marking the first election since the abrogation of Article 370. Vote counting is scheduled for October 4.

(With inputs from ET Bureau)