As vote counting commenced for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections on Tuesday, October 8, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president, Ravinder Raina, is emerging as the front-runner from the Nowshera constituency in Rajouri district. Early trends indicate a close contest between Raina and his rival from the National Conference (NC), Surinder Choudhary, who had previously contested against Raina in the 2014 elections.
Raina vs. Choudhary: A Rematch of 2014
In the 2014 assembly elections, Ravinder Raina secured a decisive victory against Surinder Choudhary, defeating him by a margin of over 95,000 votes. However, this election presents a more competitive landscape. Choudhary, a former Member of the Legislative Council, has changed political affiliations multiple times in recent years. After leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in March 2022 to join the BJP, he made headlines again by exiting the BJP in July 2023 and joining the National Conference (NC). This shift adds a dynamic twist to the race, reigniting their previous rivalry.
The Historical Stronghold of Nowshera
Nowshera constituency has a long history of electoral dominance by the Congress party. From 1962 to 2002, the Congress held the seat for eight consecutive terms, making it a stronghold for the party. The 2014 election, however, marked a significant turning point when Ravinder Raina‘s victory delivered the BJP its first-ever win in this constituency. This election is widely seen as a litmus test for whether the BJP can maintain its hold on the region.
The Weight of Raina’s Candidacy
Ravinder Raina’s candidacy holds particular importance for both the BJP and the Nowshera constituency. As the state president of the BJP, Raina has been at the forefront of the party’s election campaign in Jammu and Kashmir, playing a crucial role in strategizing and mobilizing voters. Born on September 15, 1970, Raina holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Political Science. His political journey began in his youth, and he quickly ascended through the ranks of the BJP. Known for his emphasis on promoting national unity and development, Raina is seen as a leader who prioritizes both regional growth and national integration.
In his speeches leading up to the election, Raina emphasized, “Our goal is to make sure that everyone in Jammu and Kashmir benefits from national policies and development projects.” His vision for the region centers on aligning it with national development programs, especially in infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
The Battle for Nowshera
The Nowshera constituency has 86,506 registered voters, who cast their ballots at 116 polling stations during the second phase of the Jammu region’s elections, which took place on September 25. The seat is one of 11 constituencies in the Jammu region and has attracted attention due to its potential for political shifts.
In addition to the primary contenders, Raina and Choudhary, three other candidates are competing for the seat. These include Haq Nawaz from the PDP, Manohar Singh representing the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and Shiv Dev Sharma, an Independent candidate. Despite the presence of multiple candidates, the focus remains squarely on the two frontrunners, Raina and Choudhary, as their battle could shape the future political landscape of the region.
Conclusion: A Crucial Election for Both Parties
As the counting progresses, all eyes are on Nowshera to see if Ravinder Raina can once again secure victory for the BJP, solidifying the party’s foothold in a historically Congress-dominated constituency. The outcome will not only determine the immediate political future of Nowshera but could also serve as a broader indicator of the BJP’s influence in Jammu and Kashmir. With Surinder Choudhary switching allegiances and attempting a comeback, the final results are sure to provide a gripping conclusion to this closely watched electoral contest.
