Ravinder Raina Projects BJP’s 35-Seat Victory in J&K, Eyes Coalition with Independents and Allies, Will Form Govt.

JAMMU, Oct 7:   Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina expressed strong confidence on Monday that his party will emerge as the single largest party in the upcoming assembly elections, predicting a win of 35 seats. He emphasized that with the support of independent candidates and like-minded groups, who he expects will secure an additional 15 seats, the BJP will cross the majority threshold of 50 seats required to form the government. Speaking to reporters, Raina stated, “We are confident of winning 35 seats in Jammu and Kashmir, and with the support of independents and like-minded groups, we will cross the majority mark of 50 to form the Government.” He stressed that this support reflects the public’s endorsement of the BJP’s vision for development and peace in the region.

Raina pointed to the massive turnout at rallies led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah as evidence of the BJP’s growing popularity. “The overwhelming public support for our party, demonstrated by the large crowds at rallies by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, clearly indicates that people have voted for the BJP,” he added. Raina also predicted a severe setback for the Congress, suggesting that the party would face a “crushing defeat” in the elections, solidifying BJP’s position as the single largest party in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing potential alliances, Raina clarified that the BJP has extended support to 15 independent and like-minded candidates but distanced the party from any alliance with Engineer Rasheed’s party. “We have supported 15 independent and like-minded candidates, but we have no ties with Engineer Rasheed’s party. These independents and groups will secure victories, making BJP the largest voted party in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

In the run-up to the vote counting for the 90-member assembly, the BJP held a critical meeting at its headquarters. The meeting saw the participation of senior leaders Tarun Chugh and Ram Madhav, signaling the party’s strategic approach as it prepares for the final outcome.

On the topic of nominating five MLAs to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Raina defended the actions of the Lieutenant Governor, citing the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, which was passed by Parliament. “The reorganisation Act has already been passed by Parliament. This process will proceed accordingly…It will be carried out by the LG as part of the constitutional process,” he stated.

When questioned about whether the nomination process should have been left for the next government to decide, Raina reaffirmed that the Lieutenant Governor’s actions were in accordance with the law. “Whatever is being done by the LG is as per the law. It is done as per the Reorganization Act,” he insisted.

With vote counting for the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Assembly set for Tuesday, the BJP remains optimistic about its chances of securing a mandate that would enable it to govern the region, with Ravinder Raina positioning the party as the frontrunner.