Srinagar, Dec 20 (KNO): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its efforts to complete organisational elections across Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on electing leaders at the booth, mandal, district, and state levels. With the process gaining momentum, political maneuvering is evident as leaders strive for pivotal positions within the party structure.
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) Correspondent, the role of the district president has emerged as particularly significant, given the responsibility to represent the party at the district level.
Despite the presence of district in-charges, co-in-charges, and other officials, the district president is considered the most influential figure in district-level decision-making. In 20 districts across the union territory, several senior leaders are competing for this influential position.
The BJP aims to conclude the elections for booth, mandal, and district presidents by January 10, paving the way for the election of the state president.
Currently, the party operates around 12,000 booths in Jammu and Kashmir, with booth presidents being appointed at each location. In cases where a booth comprises a large area, the party has made provisions to split it into two for better organisational management. For example, in the displaced district, 30 booths have been divided into five mandals.
“The booth-level elections are being conducted using three methods: raising hands, unanimous selection, or casting votes. Primary members of the BJP play a crucial role in these elections. If the number of primary members at a booth is insufficient, candidates can be nominated by raising hands. Once booth presidents are elected, they are joined by at least two active members to elect mandal presidents. Active members are required to recruit a minimum of 50 new members as part of their contribution to the party,” says a top BJP functionary.
He adds that subsequently, the mandal president forms a team, which includes booth presidents and active members, to participate in the district-level elections. “The candidate with the highest number of active members supporting their claim typically secures the post of district president.”
The election of the state president, which follows the district-level elections, involves participation from members of the national executive, state office bearers, and active members. "Holding the position of an active member is mandatory for eligibility as an office bearer. While the state president is the highest-ranking official, the district president’s role remains pivotal in shaping and implementing party decisions at the grassroots level. The state president is expected to consult district presidents before making key decisions," a senior BJP leader said—(KNO)