As the deadline for filing nominations for the third phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections approaches on Thursday, the BJP has clarified that it will contest only 19 seats in the Valley. The party announced on Wednesday evening that no additional candidates will be named for Kashmir.

Despite Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s earlier promise that the BJP would contest all 90 Assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir and the party’s claims of forming the government in the Union Territory, the BJP has opted to forego 28 seats in the Valley.

In its official statement, the BJP confirmed that out of the 47 seats in the Kashmir region, it will field candidates in 19. The party indicated that no further announcements regarding candidates for Kashmir will be made.

This decision is expected to displease senior BJP leaders, who feel sidelined in the ticket distribution process. Sources suggest that the move will reinforce the perception among these leaders that their prospects within the party are limited.

Many party members in Srinagar have expressed frustration, feeling that their years of dedication to the BJP are being overlooked. A senior leader lamented that the party’s failure to reward loyalists and its decision to field newcomers have left them feeling undervalued.

During a May visit to the Valley, Shah had expressed regret over the party’s decision to skip all three seats in the Valley during the Lok Sabha polls, despite the BJP winning two seats in the Jammu region. He had urged party members to prepare for the Assembly elections, promising that the BJP would contest all 90 seats this time.

The BJP has not provided an official explanation for its revised stance. The final list of 19 candidates includes eight from South Kashmir’s 16 seats, six from Central Kashmir’s 15 seats, and five from North Kashmir’s 16 seats.

According to party insiders, the decision to field only 19 candidates is seen as a tactical move, possibly aimed at supporting Independent candidates who might challenge nominees from established political parties. Some sources suggest that the BJP’s strategy includes backing Independents and smaller parties to strengthen its position.

BJP candidate Rafiq Wani from Anantnag in South Kashmir has suggested that new regional parties and Independents are effectively aligned with the BJP, claiming that even a modest performance in the Valley could contribute significantly to the party’s overall tally.

Critics, including opponents from the National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party, have accused the BJP of backing “proxy” candidates and small parties to undermine their vote share.