Congress’s Lal Singh Says Azad’s Social gathering to Divide Opposition Vote

SRINAGAR: Choudhary Lal Singh, who returned to Congress final week, has unleashed scathing criticism in opposition to the Democratic Progressive Azad Social gathering (DPAP), alleging that their determination to discipline former minister GM Saroori as an alternative of get together founder Ghulam Nabi Azad from the Udhampur constituency displays a strategic transfer aimed toward slicing opposition votes relatively than profitable the election outright.

The controversial politician, who lately rejoined the Congress, finds himself in a heated electoral battle in opposition to Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who seeks re-election from the Udhampur Lok Sabha seat for the third consecutive time period.

Scheduled for the primary part of polling on April 19, the Udhampur parliamentary constituency has witnessed a flurry of candidate nominations, with 5 contenders, together with Union Minister Saroori, throwing their hats into the political ring.

In response, Congress nominees Raman Bhalla and Choudhary Lal Singh have launched an aggressive marketing campaign, rallying assist via public conferences throughout their respective constituencies. Each candidates purpose to overturn their earlier defeats within the 2019 parliamentary elections in opposition to BJP opponents.

Bhalla confronted defeat in opposition to BJP’s Jugal Kishore Sharma in Jammu, whereas Lal Singh misplaced to Jitendra Singh in Udhampur. Each BJP incumbents, Sharma and Jitendra Singh, are contesting once more from their respective constituencies.

Lal Singh’s return to the Congress fold provides depth to the get together’s electoral lineup, enhancing its aggressive edge within the upcoming polls. His earlier expertise and strategic positioning as a Rajput candidate are perceived as essential belongings in opposition to the BJP contenders.

The dynamics of the electoral panorama in Jammu and Kashmir are additional difficult by the absence of main regional gamers just like the Peoples Democratic Social gathering (PDP) and the Nationwide Convention (NC) on each seats within the Jammu division. This absence is seen as a transfer to consolidate Muslim votes and forestall their division.

Nonetheless, smaller events like DPAP and Apni Social gathering are anticipated to discipline candidates, doubtlessly altering the electoral calculus and difficult the Congress’s prospects within the area.

The demographic composition of the Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency, with important Muslim populations in districts like Doda, Kishtwar, and Reasi, presents a posh socio-political backdrop in opposition to the backdrop of a predominantly Hindu citizens.