As the counting of votes for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections unfolds, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has suffered significant losses in two crucial Hindu-majority constituencies: Bani and Ramban. These losses are particularly notable given the BJP’s previous successes in these areas.

Key Defeats for BJP

Bani Constituency
Dr. Rameshwar Singh, running as an Independent candidate, triumphed over the BJP’s Jewan Lal in Bani, winning by a substantial margin of 18,672 votes. Jewan Lal had previously secured this seat during the 2014 Assembly elections, making the loss a significant blow for the BJP in a region where it had established a foothold.

Ramban Constituency
In Ramban, National Conference candidate Arjun Singh Raju emerged victorious against Suraj Singh Parihar, a BJP rebel who contested as an Independent. Raju won by 8,869 votes, while BJP’s Rakesh Singh Thakur placed third with 17,254 votes. The BJP had previously held this seat in the 2014 Assembly elections.

Current Election Trends

As of the latest updates, the BJP has won 29 seats in Jammu and Kashmir, primarily in the Jammu region. In contrast, the National Conference-Congress alliance appears to be on track for a strong victory, having won 47 seats and currently leading in 1 other.

Historical Context

The 2014 Assembly elections saw the BJP win 25 seats, while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) emerged as the single largest party. The BJP formed a coalition government with the PDP, which lasted until the latter withdrew its support in 2018, leading to the government’s collapse.

The recent Assembly polls, held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, 2024, are significant as they mark the first elections in Jammu and Kashmir in a decade, following the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganization of the region into Union Territories.

Also Read: How BJP Defied The Exit Polls And Secured Hat-Trick In Haryana?

Conclusion

The BJP’s setbacks in Bani and Ramban may have wider implications for the party’s strategy and governance in Jammu and Kashmir. With the National Conference-Congress alliance poised for a comeback, the political landscape in the region appears to be shifting, potentially influencing future governance and policy decisions in the aftermath of the elections.

Also Read: ‘Omar To Be J&K CM, Today’s Verdict Opposes Article 370 Revocation’, Says Dr. Farooq Abdullah