BJP revels in ‘good show’

Tribune News Service

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Jammu/Srinagar, October 25

Despite facing a humiliating defeat in the Block Development Council (BDC) elections, the BJP celebrated its ‘good show’ in Kashmir Valley but in Jammu, state president Ravinder Raina admitted that “competition was tough”.

There was a celebratory mood at BJP’s office in Kashmir but in Jammu, party leadership on Friday assiduously tried to give out a message that ‘heavy turnout’ was victory of democracy.

A grand welcome was accorded to the winning candidates of the valley with BJP expressing confidence of doing better at the district level.

“There is celebration at the party office as we emerged the front-runners and our sarpanches and panches put up a good show. We fought the elections braving all odds when other parties had shied away from the poll process,” BJP state spokesman Altaf Thakur told The Tribune.

Besides, Thakur, several BJP leaders, including media secretary Manzoor Bhat, were present at the function. The party is holding another function on Monday to celebrate its good show in the elections.

However, a majority of the independents were unofficially supported by the other parties. Even as the BJP officially won only 18 seats from Kashmir, Thakur said they had the support of around 50 more independents.

“We won 18 blocks in Kashmir and additionally three of our candidates were declared winners uncontested....moreover, we have the support of 51 independents and a total strength of 72. The support will come to the fore when the District Development Board elections will be held,” he said.

Even as the BJP had never won any Assembly or parliamentary election in the Valley, the party won over 100 seats in the last year’s municipal elections amid a boycott by the NC and the PDP - and that was the BJP’s first-ever electoral win ever in the Kashmir division.

“BDC elections were held successfully in J&K for the first time due to strong commitment shown by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi”, Raina said.