BJP confirms three-seat strategy for Upper House elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Says Sunil Sethi

Jammu, Oct 4: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has formally announced its decision to contest all Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu and Kashmir scheduled for election on October 24, signaling a more assertive parliamentary strategy and setting the stage for a high-stakes political contest in the Union Territory.

Addressing a press conference in Jammu, BJP spokesperson Sunil Sethi said the party will field three candidates for the upcoming elections. “We have decided to contest all seats. It is not about specific individuals but about the qualities and capabilities of those who can effectively represent the party in the Rajya Sabha,” Sethi said, adding that the recommendations of the party’s core group will soon be conveyed to the national leadership.

The BJP plans to field one candidate each for the first two seats, traditionally considered safe for the National Conference (NC)-led alliance, which currently holds a majority in the House. These contests, while symbolic, are intended to challenge the status quo and assert the party’s presence. For the remaining two seats, where only one election will be held, the party is expected to nominate a heavyweight candidate with a realistic chance of victory, potentially altering the balance of representation from Jammu and Kashmir in the Rajya Sabha.

This move ensures that the first two seats, which historically went uncontested due to the ruling alliance’s numerical strength, will now witness a direct electoral contest. Political observers see the BJP’s decision as a strategic signal aimed at strengthening its organizational visibility, mobilizing its cadre, and testing the opposition’s cohesion ahead of future electoral battles in the region.

The current composition of the Legislative Assembly places the NC-led alliance with 53 members, the BJP with 28, and non-BJP opposition parties with seven. While the ruling alliance is expected to secure its traditional strongholds, the BJP’s entry into the fray could influence negotiations, alliances, and political narratives leading up to the vote.

The strategy discussions were attended by key leaders, including Union Minister Jitendra Singh and BJP national general secretary and J&K in-charge Tarun Chugh, underscoring the party’s high-level focus on the elections. However, Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma was notably absent from the meeting.