JAMMU, Oct 2: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) senior leader and in-charge of election affairs for Jammu and Kashmir, Ram Madhav, has expressed the party’s desire to see a Jammu-centric government take shape in the Union Territory (UT) after the upcoming Assembly elections. He confidently predicted that the BJP would emerge as the largest party once the election results are declared on October 8, surpassing its rivals, including the National Conference (NC), Congress, and People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
In an interview with a news channel, Madhav emphasized that the BJP is poised to sweep the elections in Jammu, where the party is contesting all 43 seats. He also stated that the BJP has strategically fielded 19 strong candidates in Kashmir, expressing optimism about securing a historic win from one of the constituencies in the Valley for the first time. “We want a Jammu-centric government in the UT, and the results from Kashmir will be surprising,” he declared.
Responding to questions about potential post-election alliances, Madhav refrained from speculating, focusing instead on BJP’s prospects in Jammu. He acknowledged that the election is likely to produce a fractured mandate in the Valley, with NC, Congress, and PDP falling short of the majority needed to form a government. He also highlighted the involvement of smaller parties like Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), People’s Conference (PC), and independent candidates, indicating a complex post-election scenario.
Madhav further dismissed the idea that NC, even in alliance with Congress and PDP, could secure enough seats to reach the halfway mark in the Assembly. He emphasized that the “real action” would begin once the results are announced, reiterating that the BJP is focused on a strong showing in Jammu and the formation of a government that aligns with the aspirations of the region’s people.
When asked about the possibility of a Kashmir-based chief minister, Madhav reiterated the party’s focus on a Jammu-centric administration, noting that achieving this goal would require the necessary number of seats. “The sentiment among the people is clear—they want a government that prioritizes Jammu,” he said.
Regarding his own role in J&K politics, Madhav explained that, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, he and other party leaders would be deeply involved in the government formation process once the results are finalized.
Madhav, who has extensive experience dealing with Kashmir during his time with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), also emphasized the importance of a balanced and inclusive approach to Kashmir. He called for “large-heartedness and an open mind” in handling the region’s unique challenges and expressed the need for an accommodative stance.
Addressing the opposition’s stance on Article 370, Madhav dismissed claims by the NC to restore the special status, noting that Home Minister Amit Shah had made it clear that no power could bring Article 370 back. He also noted that while some Kashmiris had opposed its abrogation, many now support Prime Minister Modi’s development agenda, which is reflected in social media sentiments.
On the question of restoring statehood to J&K, Madhav remarked that while Congress had made promises in its manifesto, it is ultimately the Union government that holds the authority to restore statehood. He added that the matter could be debated in Parliament, where opposition parties, including Congress, have significant representation. Madhav also hinted that the future status of J&K would be determined by Parliament, drawing a parallel to the powers granted to the Delhi state.
In his remarks, Madhav underscored BJP’s commitment to delivering a government that prioritizes Jammu’s interests, while also navigating the complex political dynamics of Kashmir. With high hopes for the upcoming elections, he reiterated the party’s confidence in emerging as the dominant political force in the Union Territory.