Srinagar: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) faced significant internal turmoil in the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the abrupt withdrawal of its initially announced list of candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections. The party’s quick retraction and replacement of the list have underscored deep-seated issues within its ranks and a challenging public reception.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the BJP released a list of 44 candidates which was hastily pulled back due to protests by party workers and general dissatisfaction. Within hours, a shortened list featuring only 16 nominees was issued for the first phase of the elections.

Discontent erupted openly with protests at the BJP headquarters in Jammu, where party members expressed their dissatisfaction over the selection process, accusing leadership of favoring recent entrants over long-standing, dedicated party workers.

This incident has exposed significant rifts within the party as it approaches a critical electoral test, with former ministers and notable political figures who have recently joined the BJP being pushed to the forefront in the revised candidate list. The party’s ability to manage these internal conflicts may be crucial as it prepares for the forthcoming polls.