Article 370 emerges as Central Theme in Udhampur Lok Sabha campaign

The contentious issue of Article 370 has taken the spotlight in the electoral battle for the Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency, where Union Minister Jitendra Singh is seeking re-election amid a spirited triangular contest.

Facing off against Congress candidate Choudhary Lal Singh and Democratic Progressive Azad Party’s (DPAP) G M Saroori, Jitendra Singh of the BJP is aiming for a third consecutive victory in the constituency, with polling scheduled for April 19.

Lal Singh has been critical of the BJP, accusing the party of stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its statehood and special constitutional provisions, while Union Minister Jitendra Singh has pressed the Congress to clarify its stance on Article 370.

Campaigning for Saroori, DPAP chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad emphasized his party’s agenda of advocating for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and addressing public concerns over land and employment rights.

The campaign is expected to intensify with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Udhampur on April 12, followed by a Congress mega rally featuring Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Raj Babbar the next day. Jitendra Singh has challenged the Congress to declare its position on Article 370, criticizing the party’s alliance with the National Conference, which opposes the abrogation of Article 370.

Meanwhile, Lal Singh has centered his campaign on defending the “identity” of Jammu and Kashmir, accusing the Modi government of dismantling the region’s distinctiveness. With 12 candidates contesting in the constituency spanning five districts and over 16.23 lakh voters, including 7.77 lakh women, Udhampur is poised for a keenly watched electoral showdown.

Jitendra Singh secured victory in 2014 and 2019, defeating Ghulam Nabi Azad and Vikramaditya Singh respectively, while Lal Singh clinched the seat in 2004 and 2009 under the Congress banner.

Union Minister Anurag Thakur and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have lent their support to Jitendra Singh’s campaign, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh scheduled to address poll meetings in the constituency.