J-K Assembly elections: BJP fails to cross Jawahar Tunnel | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

J-K Assembly elections: BJP fails to cross Jawahar Tunnel

Hindustan Times | ByTarun Upadhyay, Jammu
Dec 24, 2014 01:04 AM IST

BJP’s mission 44 fell short of the mark by 19 seats as polls results of the 87-strong Jammu and Kashmir assembly were declared on Tuesday. Winning all its 25 seats in Jammu region, the party in a sense couldn’t cross the Jawahar Tunnel and drew a blank in Kashmir.

BJP’s mission 44 fell short of the mark by 19 seats as polls results of the 87-strong Jammu and Kashmir assembly were declared on Tuesday. Winning all its 25 seats in Jammu region, the party in a sense couldn’t cross the Jawahar Tunnel and drew a blank in Kashmir.

The BJP gave tickets to 25 Muslims in the valley and fielded Kashmiri pandits. But, of the 30,364 pandit voters, only 5,169 voted. Hoping to win over Kashmir, it had even dropped abrogation of Article 370, which gives special status to J-K, from its agenda. That did not help.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

In the valley, the BJP is seen essentially as its parent body RSS, which is identified with Hindu majoritarianism. RSS leader Indresh Kumar, a week before the first phase of the elections, said that 2014 gave an opportunity to “get back lost Kashmir”. This and other long-held fears ensured that the PDP emerged as the opposite number to the saffron party. Even the incumbent National Conference used Article 370 to beat the BJP in Kashmir.

This comes even as PM Modi in his rallies didn’t touch Article 370, though he did not say the special status would either. It must be noted, however, that the BJP also won in Muslim-majority areas of Doda and Rajouri, where Hindus have a sizeable population.

The PM addressed his first rally in Kishtwar, which witnessed communal riots this year on Eid; here the BJP won as the Muslim votes split between the NC and PDP.

(Inputs by HTC, Srinagar)

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On