BJP Banks on 32 Independents, Regional Outfits in Kashmir, But No Truck With Engineer Rashid or Jamaat-e-Islami

The BJP is confident about forming the government in Jammu and Kashmir with the help of regional outfits and independent candidates in the Kashmir Valley. The party is not supporting candidates from Engineer Rashid’s outfit or Jamaat-e-Islami due to their involvement in terrorism and separatism. At least 32 independents are strongly contesting in the Valley, and the BJP is hopeful of a strong showing in the Jammu region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have been actively campaigning in the region. The party will wait for election results on October 8 before making any decisions regarding alliances with independents and regional outfits.