J&K gears up for local body polls as BJP eyes improved vote share; Congress aims to strengthen roots

The BJP secured the highest vote share in the recent assembly elections and now hopes to strengthen its position in the Panchayat elections. The party aims to add 10,000 new members every day

Jammu Kashmir local body polls Representative Image

After the assembly elections, political parties in Jammu and Kashmir are gearing up for Panchayat polls and making plans to shore up support at the grassroots.

The BJP, after increasing its voter base by 1.5 lakh during the recent membership drive, is working to increase its voter base further. 

The party aims to add 10,000 new members every day. It is also launching the Maha Atal Sampark Abhiyan, a door-to-door campaign, on November 17, 24, and December 1. Senior leaders, MPs, and MLAs will visit voters during this campaign.

The BJP secured the highest vote share in the recent assembly elections and now hopes to strengthen its position in the Panchayat elections. 

Other parties are also making efforts to rally support.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Chaudhary and Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma of the ruling National Conference are prioritising outreach efforts in the Jammu division. Chaudhary has made multiple visits to Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan, the NC’s headquarters in Jammu, where he assured residents and party workers of his commitment to protecting Jammu’s interests. 

He pledged to make government offices more accessible for addressing public concerns and also promised the NC’s commitment to safeguarding local land and employment rights.

Congress has also charted a plan to improve its position in the grassroots elections after its poor showing in the assembly polls. JKPCC president Tariq Hameed Karra recently held a meeting with senior party leaders in Jammu to discuss the upcoming Panchayat elections and changes in the party organisation.

Despite winning only six seats in the recent assembly polls, Congress sees this election as a chance to connect with people and regain support.

The voter registration process for the 2025 Panchayat elections is underway, with the final voter list scheduled to be published by January 6, 2025. Special camps will be set up at polling stations on November 16, 17, 23, 24, and December 1, allowing voters to fill out forms and receive assistance with the registration process. The authorities are reviewing the details regarding OBC reservations as part of the election preparations.

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