Islamabad, In a controversial move, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided not to field candidates in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the disputed region of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), sparking significant criticism from various political leaders and commentators.
According to Kashmir Media Service, this decision marks the first time in 28 years that the BJP has abstained from contesting elections in the region. Critics, including National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah and AJK Cabinet Minister Imtiaz Naseem, argue that the BJP’s decision reflects its fears of a potential defeat in the Muslim-majority territory and apprehensions about a backlash from the Kashmiri populace. This move has been interpreted as contradicting the party’s assertions of restored normalcy in the valley following the controversial abrogation of Article 370, which had granted special status to the region.