Over 40% Independent Candidates in J&K Assembly Polls; Rivals Accuse BJP of Vote-Splitting Tactics

Over 40% Independent Candidates in J&K Assembly Polls; Rivals Accuse BJP of Vote-Splitting Tactics

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections have taken a dramatic twist, with over 40% of the 908 candidates contesting as Independents. This large number of Independent candidates has raised eyebrows and sparked controversy among opposition parties, who accuse the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of deliberately fielding these candidates to divide the vote share.

According to official data, 369 out of the total candidates in the fray are running without any party affiliation. Political analysts say this is an unprecedented scenario, especially in a state as politically sensitive as Jammu and Kashmir, where every vote counts.

Opposition leaders, particularly from the Congress and National Conference, have voiced concerns, claiming that many of these Independents are being propped up by the BJP as part of a larger electoral strategy. They argue that the goal is to split the anti-BJP vote, making it harder for any single opposition party to consolidate their support base and secure a majority in the Assembly.

BJP leaders, however, have dismissed these allegations as baseless. They maintain that the rise in Independent candidates reflects growing dissatisfaction with traditional political parties, and that their presence adds to the vibrancy of the democratic process.

With elections fast approaching, the issue has only intensified political tensions in Jammu and Kashmir, adding another layer of complexity to what is already shaping up to be a fiercely contested battle.