Despite ongoing speculation regarding candidate selections for several Assembly segments in Jammu, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) High Command has confirmed the nominations of three prominent party members. Ravinder Raina, BJP President for Jammu and Kashmir UT, will contest from the Nowshera Assembly segment in Rajouri district. Former Deputy Chief Minister Kavinder Gupta has been confirmed for the Bahu Assembly segment in the Gandhi Nagar area of Jammu district, while party Vice President Pawan Khajuria will run from the Udhampur East constituency.
Key Nominations Confirmed
Ravinder Raina: Nominated for Nowshera – Sunderbani constituency, a seat he previously represented.
Kavinder Gupta: Confirmed for the Bahu segment, a position he held in the last Assembly.
Pawan Khajuria: Running for Udhampur East, a constituency he previously contested in 2014.
Suspense Remains Over Other Seats
The BJP continues to deliberate over the candidates for seven remaining Assembly segments in the Jammu region. As the election dates approach, there is increasing pressure on the party to finalize and announce candidates for these constituencies. Sources indicate that an official announcement regarding these candidates is expected soon.
Unresolved Constituencies
The following Assembly constituencies in Jammu are yet to have their candidates announced:
Kathua Town: Several names are under consideration, including a senior JKAS officer.
Bishnah: Three candidates, including a doctor, a serving DDC member, and a retired JKAS officer, are competing for the nomination.
Marh: The BJP is evaluating the candidacy of a serving DDC member and two senior party leaders. There is significant suspense over this seat as former Minister Choudhary Sukhnandan, a two-time MLA, was not accommodated following the constituency’s reservation last year.
Rajouri Town: A dispute exists between two senior party leaders, with one threatening to run as an Independent if not selected.
Party’s Internal Meetings and Strategy
The BJP’s decision to approve the three candidates followed a high-level meeting convened by the party’s Election Incharge for J&K, Ram Madhav, along with Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh. This meeting aimed to resolve internal disputes over ticket distribution and finalize the candidates in key constituencies.
Current Status
Out of 43 Assembly segments in the Jammu division, the BJP has announced candidates for 36 constituencies. This includes seats in the Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban districts, which are scheduled for polling on September 18.
Conclusion
As the election campaign progresses, the BJP’s strategic decisions and candidate announcements will play a crucial role in shaping the party’s performance in the Jammu Assembly elections. With several constituencies still to be decided, the coming days will be pivotal for finalizing the party’s electoral strategy.
For more updates on the BJP’s election campaign and other local news, stay tuned to our coverage.
