Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024: Udhampur District Set For Fierce Multi-Cornered Contest

The upcoming assembly elections in Udhampur district are gearing up to be highly competitive, featuring a multi-cornered contest among the BJP, Congress, and the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP). With four assembly constituencies at stake-Udhampur West, Udhampur East, Chenani, and Ramnagar-the political landscape is heating up.

Former minister Pawan Kumar Gupta is aiming to retain his family's traditional Udhampur West seat, which they have won three times over the past nine elections. However, he faces a formidable challenge from Congress candidate Sumeet Magotra and independent candidate Jasvir Singh, a District Development Council (DDC) member from Panchari. Local voters are concerned that Jasvir Singh's candidacy could split the vote, making Gupta's path to victory even more difficult.

In Udhampur East, BJP candidate R S Pathania is also dealing with internal rebellion, as former BJP member Pawan Khajuria and Balwan Singh are running as independents. The Chenani constituency has turned into a battleground for family rivalries, featuring cousins Balwant Singh Mankotia from the BJP and Harshdev Singh from JKNPP, both vying for the seat.

Political campaigns are in full swing, with senior leaders from both the BJP and Congress rallying support. BJP heavyweights like Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, and Jitendra Singh have campaigned in the district, while Congress leaders such as Sachin Pilot have been actively supporting their nominees.

Gupta expressed confidence in the BJP's ability to secure all four seats this election, stating, "We aim to form a government that represents the people of the Jammu region." In contrast, Congress's Magotra believes the public is disenchanted with BJP governance and is ready for a change. The Congress party is campaigning in alliance with the National Conference, hoping to reclaim seats it has historically won.

Among the pressing issues facing voters is the long-standing concern of cleaning the Devika River, with residents seeking tangible action rather than mere promises. "We want to see action, not just words," local resident Suresh Kumar remarked.

The Udhampur district will see a total of 1,15,655 voters, including 55,929 females, participating in this election, which will be held on October 1. As the contest heats up, all eyes are on the outcomes in these crucial constituencies, each with its own unique political dynamics and challenges.