Jammu and Kashmir: Three-Time MLA And Two-Time Congress MP Lal Singh Faces Uphill Task To Reclaim Basholi Seat

In Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, the electoral battle is heating up, particularly in the Basholi Assembly constituency. The contest is primarily between the Congress and the BJP, with Choudhary Lal Singh, a three-time MLA and two-time MP, striving to reclaim his traditional seat for a fourth time. Known for its 'Basohli Paintings,' this region has historically been a stronghold for Singh and his wife Kanta Andotra.

Lal Singh faces stiff competition from BJP's Darshan Kumar, PDP's Yoginder Singh, and BSP's Pankaj Kumar. However, experts predict the main rivalry will be between the BJP and Congress. "It's a direct contest between the BJP and the Congress," said political analyst Vikas Kumar. "For Lal Singh, it's a tough challenge to bring the seat back to the Congress after 20 years."

BJP's Campaign Strategy

The BJP is pulling out all stops to secure victory in Basholi. Darshan Kumar, a 48-year-old businessman and district president from the Rajput community, leads their campaign. The party has enlisted star campaigners like Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to bolster support. "We are confident of winning the seat," said Darshan Kumar.

Meanwhile, Lal Singh is campaigning vigorously in remote areas of Basholi. He aims to end what he calls "BJP's dictatorship" by engaging directly with voters. "People are frustrated with the LG administration and the BJP government," he stated while canvassing door-to-door.

Challenges Facing Basholi

Basholi residents face significant challenges due to poor infrastructure. Local Mukesh Shastri pointed out issues like incomplete roads from Mahanpur to Basholi. Despite its tourism potential, development remains neglected here. Avanti Sharma added that health services and clean drinking water are still lacking.

Lal Singh began his political journey as a student leader before becoming an MLA from Basholi in 1996. He was re-elected in 2002 and served as minister for health and medical education in a Congress-PDP coalition government. He later won Udhampur seats in 2004 and 2009 Lok Sabha elections.

Voter Demographics

Basholi has 69,282 registered voters for the upcoming election: 36,343 males, 32,937 females, and two transgender individuals across 107 polling stations. The Thakur community makes up 60% of this electorate, making their vote crucial for both parties.

Singh left BJP in 2018 over disagreements related to the Kathua rape case. He then launched a movement advocating for Dogra pride by calling for Maharaja Hari Singh's birth anniversary as a public holiday and seeking statehood for Jammu.

Despite losing three consecutive Lok Sabha elections to Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh since 2014-most recently trailing by 14,000 votes on Basholi segment-Lal Singh remains determined to win back his seat.

The political landscape has shifted since Congress dominated until 2002; now discussions focus on new candidates versus seasoned politicians like Lal Singh who face an uphill battle against rising BJP influence.