J&K: The BJP is actively exploring the possibility of forming a government in Jammu and Kashmir as results from various exit polls, predicted a hung assembly in the Union Territory, sources told.
Exit polls, which aired on October 5, gave an edge to the Farooq Abdullah-led National Conference and Congress alliance in Jammu and Kashmir, with the regional partner emerging as the single largest party.
The Exit poll put the National Conference-Congress alliance at 40–48 seats and the BJP at 27–32 seats in the 95-member Assembly of the Union Territory.
BJP EYES INDEPENDENTS, REGIONAL PARTIES
Sources revealed that the BJP has already initiated dialogues with several independent candidates and leaders of other regional parties in Jammu and Kashmir. The party is said to have discreetly extended support to some of these candidates during the elections.
This is in line with its strategic decision to contest only 62 seats this time, as opposed to fielding 75 candidates in 2014.
Several BJP leaders have indicated that should the party emerge as the largest in the Assembly, it will swiftly lay claim to form the government with the backing of independent candidates and smaller parties.
The BJP is optimistic about repeating its strong performance in the Jammu region, where it secured 25 out of 43 seats in the 2014 Assembly elections.
Assembly. Under the new law, the Union Territory’s Assembly will include five members nominated by the Lieutenant Governor, who will enjoy the same rights as elected members.
With these additions, the total strength of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly will rise to 95, and the majority mark will be 48. The BJP is keen on securing a boost in numbers through these nominations to strengthen its position in the Assembly.
BJP General Secretary and Jammu and Kashmir in-charge, Tarun Chugh, exuded confidence about the party’s prospects in the Assembly elections. “While exit polls predicted BJP as the largest party, the actual election results will surpass these projections. We will form the government in Jammu and Kashmir,” Chugh said.
