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The upcoming Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Assembly elections have stirred political activity in the region, with parties vying for support and strategizing for potential alliances. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has fielded 19 candidates in the Kashmir Valley out of 47 seats, is aiming for a dominant victory in the Jammu region, securing a majority of the 43 seats there. Realizing they may not secure a majority on their own, the BJP is actively seeking support from smaller regional parties and independent candidates. This strategy is particularly crucial in light of the recent bail granted to Baramulla MP Er Rashid, a move that has given the National Conference (NC) an opportunity to criticize the BJP by claiming Er Rashid's Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) is merely a 'B' team of the BJP. Meanwhile, the AIP has formed an alliance with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) for the upcoming elections.
To address these accusations and dispel speculation, the BJP has publicly denied any 'tacit' understanding with Er Rashid and his AIP. BJP leaders have asserted that the Central government vehemently opposed Rashid's bail and have emphasized that the Union government will not lift the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir. In light of these stances, the BJP has clearly stated that they will not form an alliance with the AIP. With 90 seats in the J&K Assembly and the majority mark set at 46, the BJP's strategy of seeking support from regional parties and independent candidates, who number seven and 32 respectively, holds significant importance. These smaller players have the potential to sway the outcome of the elections.
The upcoming elections in J&K are significant for the region, marking the first time it will head to the polls since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The BJP, as the ruling party at the national level, has already promised that the state will regain its statehood at an appropriate time after the polls. The outcome of these elections will have significant implications for the future of J&K, shaping the political landscape and the direction of its governance. As the campaigns intensify and alliances continue to shift, the focus remains on the ability of the BJP to secure a majority and fulfill its promises regarding statehood and regional stability.
Source: J&K Polls: Will BJP Ally With Er Rashid's AIP After Election Result? Party Betting On...