Following the release of exit poll trends for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, the BJP has stepped up its efforts to form a government in the state. Sources say that senior BJP leaders are already in contact with potential independent candidates, including Altaf Bukhari and Sajjad Lone, who are likely to win.
Exit poll trends suggest that the BJP is lagging behind in forming a government in Jammu and Kashmir as well. In this scenario, the BJP is putting all its efforts into forming a government in the state even before the results are out. The BJP believes that it will get a huge lead in the Jammu region. The party hopes to win 29 to 32 seats in the Jammu region.
BJP sources claim that they may need the support of 14 to 17 MLAs to form the government. According to them, 7-8 independent MLAs from the Kashmir Valley could support them. The party claims that it will form the government in the state.
In addition, BJP sources also say that small parties in the Kashmir Valley, especially Sajjad Lone and Altaf Bukhari's party, could win 7 to 9 seats. The BJP is in contact with both these parties. In addition, the BJP will also have the support of the 5 MLAs nominated by the Jammu and Kashmir L-G.
According to information, the five MLAs nominated by the Lieutenant Governor will have voting rights. This means that they will play a key role in forming the government. The Governor will nominate these MLAs immediately after the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly results are announced.
It is worth noting that after the nomination of five members, the strength of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly will increase to 95. The majority mark will then increase to 48.
Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina had made it clear that the BJP would form the government with the help of "like-minded parties and independents". The counting of votes for the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Assembly will take place on Tuesday, October 8.