Arun Jasrotia
Udhampur :- Pawan Khajuria, the State Vice President of BJP in Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory, has accused his party of committing his “political murder” after he filed his nomination as an independent candidate for the Udhampur East constituency.
Dissatisfied with the BJP’s ticket distribution, Khajuria and his supporters decided to file his nomination against the official BJP candidate, R.S Pathania. Khajuria submitted his nomination papers at the RO Office Udhampur East situated at Additional Deputy Commissioner office Udhampur .
Before filing the nomination, Khajuria organized a public meeting and led a road show. Thousands of his supporters participated in these events.
It’s worth noting that on September 8, 2024, the BJP released its sixth list of candidates, in which R.S Pathania was named as the party’s candidate for the Udhampur East seat. Angered by this decision, Khajuria decided to contest as an independent candidate.
The nomination filing was preceded by a massive show of strength, with Khajuria’s supporters turning out in large numbers to back his decision to run independently against the official BJP candidate.
Khajuria expressed his disappointment with the BJP, saying, “I have dedicated 35 years of my life to the BJP, working day and night for the party without considering personal time. However, the party has now committed my political murder.”
Despite this setback, Khajuria claimed to have received overwhelming support from the public. He described a large gathering of supporters, including women, elders, and youth, who assembled at a palace since morning, braving the scorching sun and hunger to show their solidarity.
Khajuria emphasized his long-standing commitment to the BJP, mentioning his work at the national level and various positions he has held within the party. He expressed deep hurt over the party’s decision to give a ticket to someone who allegedly worked against the BJP during the Lok Sabha elections.
“The BJP has given a ticket to a person who worked against the party in the Lok Sabha elections. We have evidence of this. This decision has deeply hurt our workers and me,” Khajuria stated.
He further added that betraying someone who has dedicated their entire life to the party was unacceptable to him. Khajuria mentioned that his supporters encouraged him to contest as an independent candidate to distinguish between what he called the “real” and “fake” BJP.
“We are the real BJP, and they are the fake BJP. The public will decide between us,” Khajuria declared.The former BJP leader expressed confidence in winning the Udhampur East seat, citing the love and affection he has received from the people. He also noted that the public turnout in his support was unprecedented in his 35-year political career.
As the election approaches, this development highlights internal conflicts within the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir, potentially impacting the party’s performance in the upcoming polls.
