BJP has not fielded candidates from Muslim majority areas

For fear of falsifying the narrative of a peaceful Kashmir, India’s ruling party has not fielded any candidate from the Muslim-majority areas of Kashmir.

For the first time since 1996, no BJP candidate has entered the fray from the three constituencies of Kashmir.

In Muslim-majority areas, there is competition between local parties, the National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party.

Former Chief Minister Umar Abdullah said there is a clear gap between BJP’s claims and the facts on the ground.

A leader of the BJP’s Kashmir unit says the decision not to contest elections from Kashmir is part of a broader strategy.

The BJP is contesting one of the two seats in Jammu and one in Ladakh.