BJP continues with family politics in Jammu and Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Modi’s frontal attack on the Abdullah and Mufti families at a rally in Kishtwar struck an instant chord with the people of the Valley. But two days later, his own party (BJP) introduced another parivaar to state politics. After denying him mandate, the BJP announced that its state president Jugal Kishore’s younger brother Nand Kishore will contest from Nagrota. The region was represented by Kishore Sr twice, but fell vacant once he was elected to the Lok Sabha.

“For the last 50 years, you have mortgaged the state to two families and they are in league with each other,” Modi said in Kishtwar recently. But Kishore's nomination, which was resisted by the people, brought the spotlight back on 'family politics'. “There were two contenders, Chander Mohan Sharma and Ajatshatru Singh, but neither of them could get the ticket,” said a party member.

Kishore’s nomination angered even his rivals. “This is a complete dichotomy—they say something and do the opposite,” said NC's Ram Pal.