New Delhi: J&K election The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has named Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP President J.P. Nadda as part of its star campaigners for the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, set to take place on September 25. The party’s list, issued by General Secretary Arun Singh, includes several other senior leaders and Union ministers, reflecting the significance the BJP places on these elections.

This election is crucial as it will be the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and reorganized it into two Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. These elections also mark the first state assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir since 2014, making them highly anticipated.

BJP’s Star Campaigners List for Second Phase

The BJP has released a list of 40 star campaigners for the second phase of the elections. Aside from the central figures such as Modi, Shah, and Nadda, the list includes key Union Ministers like Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, G. Kishan Reddy, and Manohar Lal Khattar. Other prominent leaders, such as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, also feature in the lineup.

This high-profile list showcases the importance of these elections to the BJP, as it seeks to cement its influence in the region following the major political changes brought about by the abrogation of Article 370. The party’s aim is to secure a majority in the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, the elections for which will be held in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1. Counting will take place on October 8, alongside results for the Haryana elections.

The BJP is pulling out all the stops for the Jammu and Kashmir elections, with a particular focus on the Jammu region. In the 2014 elections, the party won 25 seats, with a significant portion of these coming from the Jammu district, which has 11 assembly constituencies. The BJP secured nine of these seats last time, underscoring the region’s importance to the party’s electoral strategy.

With Prime Minister Modi and other senior leaders set to address multiple rallies across the Union Territory, the BJP hopes to galvanize support in both Jammu and Kashmir regions, despite the distinct political landscapes of these areas. Jammu, with a predominantly Hindu population, has traditionally been a BJP stronghold, while the Kashmir Valley, with a Muslim-majority population, has been more supportive of regional parties like the National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Amit Shah’s in Jammu

Amit Shah’s two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir plays a critical role in the BJP’s electoral campaign. Shah, who is often seen as the party’s chief strategist, is scheduled to release the BJP’s poll manifesto in Jammu, in the presence of senior party leaders. His visit is expected to boost the BJP’s campaign, especially in light of the challenges the party has faced in the run-up to the elections.

In recent weeks, the BJP has been dealing with internal protests and defections following ticket denials. Disgruntled leaders and workers who were not granted nominations have expressed dissatisfaction, a challenge the party must address as it moves forward in the campaign. Shah is set to hold meetings with party leaders and workers to resolve these issues and ensure a united front ahead of the elections.

On September 6, Shah will also launch the BJP’s official campaign in Jammu, with a major rally planned in the city. The rally is expected to draw significant crowds, given the BJP’s popularity in the Jammu region and Shah’s stature within the party.

Security Arrangements Ahead of Shah’s Visit

With Amit Shah’s visit and the heightened political activity surrounding the elections, security in and around Jammu has been tightened. The authorities have put in place multi-tier security arrangements at key venues, including the BJP’s media center located at a hotel in the Channi area. Given the sensitive nature of the region and the historical tensions in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring the safety of political leaders and the public is a top priority.

BJP’s Electoral Challenges in Kashmir

While the BJP enjoys considerable support in Jammu, the party faces significant challenges in the Kashmir Valley. The abrogation of Article 370, though welcomed by many in Jammu, was deeply unpopular in the Valley, where it led to widespread protests and dissatisfaction. The political landscape in Kashmir remains dominated by regional parties such as the NC and PDP, both of which oppose the BJP’s policies regarding the region’s autonomy.

The upcoming elections will serve as a litmus test for the BJP’s strategy in the Valley. While the party has worked to expand its influence in the region through various development projects and outreach efforts, it remains to be seen whether it can make significant inroads into the Valley’s electorate.

BJP’s Candidate List for Jammu and Kashmir

As of September 6, the BJP has announced 51 candidates for the upcoming assembly elections. The party has been methodical in selecting candidates who it believes will resonate with voters in both Jammu and Kashmir regions. However, managing the expectations of party workers and leaders who did not receive tickets has been a challenge. Some disgruntled leaders have expressed their dissatisfaction publicly, and resolving these internal conflicts will be key to the BJP’s success in the elections.

The BJP has carefully crafted its candidate list to appeal to a broad cross-section of voters, taking into account the diverse demographics of the Union Territory. The party hopes that by focusing on issues such as development, security, and the benefits of the abrogation of Article 370, it can win over voters across the region.

Election Phases and Result Timeline

The elections in Jammu and Kashmir will take place in three phases. The first phase of polling is scheduled for September 18, followed by the second phase on September 25, and the final phase on October 1. The Election Commission of India will announce the results on October 8, alongside the results of the Haryana assembly elections.

The staggered polling schedule allows for better management of security and logistics, especially in a region as sensitive as Jammu and Kashmir. The Election Commission has emphasized the importance of ensuring free and fair elections, and significant resources have been allocated to maintain peace and order during the election period.

The upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are of immense importance to the BJP. With the abrogation of Article 370 still a contentious issue, the BJP’s performance in these elections will be seen as a referendum on its policies in the region. By fielding a strong team of star campaigners, including Prime Minister Modi, Amit Shah, and J.P. Nadda, the party is clearly demonstrating its commitment to winning these elections.

The BJP’s campaign, focused on development, national security, and the benefits of Article 370’s abrogation, will be tested as it seeks to expand its influence in both Jammu and the Kashmir Valley. As the elections draw closer, the party’s efforts to resolve internal conflicts and maintain unity will be crucial to its success.

With a high-profile lineup of campaigners and a well-organized strategy, the BJP is well-positioned to make a strong showing in these elections. However, the unique political dynamics of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Valley, present significant challenges. The results of these elections will have far-reaching implications not just for the region, but for the political landscape of India as a whole.

Here is the complete list of BJP’s star campaigners for the second phase polling in J&K:

1. Narendra Modi

2. J.P. Nadda

3. Rajnath Singh

4. Amit Shah

5. Nitin Gadkari

6. Manohar Lal Khattar

7. G. Kishan Reddy

8. Shivraj Singh Chouhan

9. Jai Ram Thakur

10. Jitendra Singh

11. Yogi Adityanath

12. Bhajan Lal Sharma

13. Ram Madhav

14. Tarun Chugh

15. Ashish Sood

16. Jugal Kishore Sharma

17. Jenab Ghulam Ali Khatana

18. Anurag Thakur

19. Smriti Irani

20. Gen V.K. Singh (retd)

21. Ravinder Raina

22. Ashok Kaul

23. Nirmal Singh

24. Kavinder Gupta

25. Shamsheer Singh Manhas

26. Sat Sharma

27. Sunil Sharma

28. Sukhnandan Choudhary

29. Pawan Khajuria

30. Darakshana Andrabi

31. Vikram Randhawa

32. Surinder Ambardar

33. Arun Prabhat Singh

34. Neelam Langeh

35. S. Ranjodh Singh Nawa

36. S. Sarbjit Singh Johal

37. Haji Javeed Zargar

38. Sanjita Dogra

39. Sunil Prajapati

40. Seema Devi