NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday released the list of its candidates for the upcoming assembly bypolls to be held in various states, fielding a mix of experienced leaders and fresh faces in key constituencies.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the party has nominated Aga Syed Mohsin from the Budgam constituency and Devyani Rana from Nagrota. The decision marks the BJP’s continued focus on expanding its political presence in the Union Territory, which has seen renewed political activity since the abrogation of Article 370.
In Jharkhand, the party has chosen Babulal Soren to contest from the Ghatshila seat, which is reserved for Scheduled Tribes. The BJP’s decision is being viewed as part of its broader effort to strengthen its hold among tribal communities in the region ahead of the state elections.
Moving to Odisha, the BJP has fielded Jay Dholakia from Nuapada, a constituency that has seen competitive contests between the BJP and the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in recent years. The selection is expected to bolster the party’s presence in western Odisha, where it has been gradually increasing its vote share.
In Telangana, Lankala Deepak Reddy will contest from Jubilee Hills, an urban constituency in Hyderabad. The announcement comes at a time when the BJP is attempting to expand its base in southern states, particularly after emerging as a significant challenger in Telangana in the 2023 Assembly elections.
The BJP’s list reflects a calculated balance of regional representation and social outreach, indicating a strategic approach to the bypolls that are being closely watched as a test of the party’s electoral preparedness.
The Election Commission of India is expected to announce the polling dates for the by-elections soon. Party sources said that senior leaders would begin campaigning in the respective constituencies once the schedule is declared.
While bypolls are often seen as minor political exercises, they are likely to serve as an important indicator of the BJP’s organisational strength and its standing among voters across diverse regions ahead of the 2026 state elections.
The party leadership has expressed confidence that its candidates will perform strongly, citing the BJP’s focus on governance, welfare schemes, and grassroots outreach as key factors driving its campaign strategy.
