There are rumours that a senior BJP leader from Poonch worked hard, even overtime, to make sure that party’s own candidates in Poonch get defeated. As a result, BJP couldn’t even get even a single seat in Poonch. BJP candidates were runner-ups in two constituencies, in remaining 12 seats, party candidates failed miserably.
It was expected that BJP will ensure victory in at least two District Development Councils (DDCs) seats from Poonch district but this leader played a vital role in the party’s unsuccessful venture. He caused hindrance in the way of every other local leader to grow as that leader might someday challenge his dominance in the region.
Reliable sources even alleged that this leader is very infamous for fulfilling all types of ‘desires’ of some Jammu based senior leaders. He allegedly supported Gupkar candidates during their election campaigns. Those who closely follow these elections say that two BJP candidates, Sharish Rafiq from 10 NSSB constituencies and Mohammad Rafiq from Poonch constituency, were leading or giving tough competition to their opposition candidates but this senior BJP leader conspired to make sure that they get defeated.
This leader of Poonch never allowed any other leader in the region to join BJP because he and his group don’t want to lose their dominance over the party in Poonch. Many Muslim leaders who wanted to join the party earlier decided against it because of this leader.
People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) secured a majority in 112 seats in the first-ever DDC elections to the 288 seats. BJP candidates won on 75 seats and emerged as the single-largest party.
In Jammu region, there were 140 seats in 10 districts. The BJP has won 71 seats out of these 140 including eight in Doda, 13 in Kathua, seven in Reasi, 11 in Jammu, three in Kishtwar, three in Ramban, two in Rajouri, 13 in Samba and 11 in Udhampur district.
The National Conference won 25 seats in Jammu. They got one in Doda, one in Jammu’s Dansal, two in Poonch, six in Kishtwar, six in Ramban, five in Rajouri, three in Reasi and one in Samba district.
