SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina on Thursday said that the record voter turnout in all three phases of the Assembly polls, held after a decade, suggests that the BJP will win an absolute majority on October 8.
Addressing a press conference in Jammu, Raina said that people from every corner of Jammu and Kashmir came out in record numbers to exercise their right to vote in all three phases.
“I firmly believe that, given the way people have voted in such high numbers, the BJP will emerge as the single largest party in JK on October 8. The new government will carry forward the vision and mission of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and lead JK towards new heights of development, peace, and prosperity,” Raina said.
He added that the voter turnout indicates people’s faith in democracy and in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas.”
When asked whether the BJP had finalised a Hindu Chief Minister candidate if the party secures a majority, Raina urged patience until October 8. “For us, deciding who will be the CM is not the priority. We hope to see the BJP emerge with an absolute majority. I believe, given the way people have voted for the BJP, we will secure a full majority,” he said.
The JK BJP chief credited the massive campaigns led by Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and BJP national president JP Nadda in Jammu, which saw significant public participation. “I am confident that not only in Jammu, but also in Kashmir, the lotus will bloom,” Raina said.
When asked if the BJP was considering a Hindu or Dogra Chief Minister for JK, Raina sidestepped the question, saying, “Let’s enjoy the suspense until October 8.”
He expressed gratitude to the police, CRPF, BSF, SSB, and other security agencies for ensuring smooth and peaceful elections in JK. He also thanked the Election Commission of India (ECI) for its arrangements, as well as the Chief Electoral Officer and the LG administration for ensuring hassle-free elections in the region. Raina also acknowledged the role of NGOs, schoolchildren, and others in raising voter awareness across JK.
Raina extended Navratra greetings to the people of JK and the rest of the country. “We will celebrate the festival with the grand victory of the BJP in the JK polls on October 8,” he said. He declined to comment on whether the BJP would consider an alliance with the PDP or other parties if they fall short of seats, stating, “Let’s wait for the results first.” (KNO)