BJP: Revokes first list of candidates for J&K elections 2024

The BJP‘s decision to withdraw its first list of candidates for the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls shortly after releasing it highlights the fluid nature of the party’s strategy in this sensitive region. The initial list had declared candidates for 44 out of the 90 seats, with prominent names such as Arshid Bhat for Rajpora, Javed Ahmad Qadri for Shopian, and Mohd. Rafiq Wani for Anantnag West.

The assembly elections, scheduled to be held in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1, will be the first since Jammu and Kashmir’s reorganization in 2019. The results are set to be announced on October 4.

Given the swift retraction of the list, it is clear that the BJP is carefully recalibrating its approach, possibly in response to feedback or new strategic considerations. The revised list of candidates is now eagerly awaited, as it will reveal how the party plans to contest in this crucial election.

The now-withdrawn BJP candidate list for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls notably excluded several senior leaders, including former Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, Sat Paul Sharma, and Priya Sethi. The omission of these prominent figures raised eyebrows and might have contributed to the party’s decision to retract the list.

• Nirmal Singh: As a former Deputy Chief Minister, Singh has been a significant figure in J&K politics, especially within the BJP. His exclusion could have been a strategic decision, perhaps to introduce fresh faces or due to internal dynamics within the party.
• Sat Paul Sharma: Another senior leader with considerable influence, Sharma’s absence from the list could indicate a shift in the party’s strategy or priorities.
• Priya Sethi: Known for her role in the party and her active involvement in J&K’s political landscape, her omission was also unexpected.

The exclusion of such senior leaders suggests that the BJP may be looking to reconfigure its approach for these elections, possibly to appeal to a broader electorate or to bring in new leadership. The party’s quick withdrawal of the list might be a response to the internal backlash or concerns from its cadre, and the revised list will likely address some of these issues. The final candidate selection will be crucial in determining the BJP’s electoral strategy in this pivotal election.

The 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly election is set to take place from September 18, 2024, to October 1, 2024, in three phases.

Polling will occur in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on September 18, 2024 (Phase I), September 25, 2024 (Phase II), and October 1, 2024 (Phase III). Voters will elect 90 members to the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.

This election is the first since the revocation of the territory’s special status and the withdrawal of its statehood in 2019.

The 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly election will take place in three phases:

I:

• Notification Date: August 20, 2024
• Last Date for Filing Nominations: August 27, 2024
• Scrutiny of Nominations: August 28, 2024
• Last Date for Withdrawal of Nominations: August 30, 2024
• Date of Poll: September 18, 2024
• Number of Constituencies: 24

II:

• Notification Date: August 29, 2024
• Last Date for Filing Nominations: September 5, 2024
• Scrutiny of Nominations: September 6, 2024
• Last Date for Withdrawal of Nominations: September 9, 2024
• Date of Poll: September 25, 2024
• Number of Constituencies: 26

III:

• Notification Date: September 5, 2024
• Last Date for Filing Nominations: September 12, 2024
• Scrutiny of Nominations: September 13, 2024
• Last Date for Withdrawal of Nominations: September 17, 2024
• Date of Poll: October 1, 2024
• Number of Constituencies: 40

Counting of Votes: October 4, 2024