Late Devendra Singh Rana’s daughter eyed as BJP candidate
Vikram Sharma
JAMMU: Preparations are in full swing for the upcoming by-election in the Nagrota assembly constituency of Jammu and Kashmir.
The seat fell vacant following the demise of BJP MLA Devendra Singh Rana. In the previous election, the National Conference (NC) and the Congress had formed an alliance, yet both their candidates faced defeat.
It remains uncertain whether Congress will contest independently this time or renew its alliance with NC.
In the last assembly elections, Congress had fielded Balbir Singh, a local sarpanch, who suffered a loss. The alliance between NC and Congress was intended to consolidate their vote bank, yet they failed to secure victory.
NC’s candidate, Jogendra Singh, managed to secure 17,641 votes, while Congress’s Balbir Singh received only 5,979 votes. In contrast, BJP’s Devendra Singh Rana triumphed with 48,113 votes, demonstrating a stronghold in the constituency. Rana, who had initially won the seat in 2014 on an NC ticket, later switched allegiance to the BJP.
Though the Election Commission has yet to announce the by-election date, Congress has already commenced groundwork.
The party has established an office in Nagrota, indicating its intent to contest. Former minister and ex-MLA Balwan Singh has emerged as a prominent contender for the Congress ticket. Balwan Singh previously won the seat in 1983, while Congress’s Shivdev Singh secured it in 1987.
A key strategic question remains: Will NC and Congress field a joint candidate, or will they opt for a friendly contest once again? The combined vote share of NC and Congress in the previous election amounted to approximately 25,000 votes.
If they rally behind a single candidate, it could significantly alter the electoral dynamics. However, the BJP remains a formidable force in the region.
One of the most talked-about potential candidates for the BJP is the daughter of the late Devendra Singh Rana. Given her father’s political legacy and influence in Nagrota, her candidature could solidify BJP’s standing in the constituency.
Additionally, there is speculation regarding NC’s approach. Devendra Singh Rana had a long association with the National Conference before shifting to the BJP, and his connections within NC could influence their decision to field a candidate.
Regardless of the alliance dynamics, Congress has resolved to contest the by-election. The party is actively mobilizing at the grassroots level and is expected to organize a major public meeting in Nagrota soon, featuring senior leaders. Congress sources confirm that no candidate has been finalized yet, but discussions are underway.
State Congress President Tariq Hameed Karra is currently in Jammu, strategizing with party leaders to strengthen their position. His presence underscores the party’s commitment to reclaiming the seat. As political maneuvering continues, the by-election is set to be a crucial battleground, with all parties vying to establish their dominance in Nagrota.
The political scenario remains uncertain, with alliances and candidate selections yet to be finalized. However, the battle for Nagrota is poised to be a high-stakes contest, potentially reshaping the region’s political fabric. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how the contest unfolds and which party secures the constituency.
