BJP’s Jitendra Singh files nomination for Udhampur seat

SRINAGAR — Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency, Dr Jitendra Singh, on Thursday filed his nomination papers.

The nomination ceremony, held at the District Deputy Commissioner’s office in Kathua, witnessed the presence of prominent BJP leaders, including the State President, Ravinder Raina, and the renowned wrestler, “The Great Khali” alias Dalip Singh.

Dr Jitendra Singh, contesting for the third time from the Udhampur seat, received overwhelming support from party members and supporters as he embarked on a roadshow through Kalibari, Kathua, leading up to the nomination venue. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as BJP enthusiasts danced to the rhythmic beats of drums.

As per the news agency KNO, after completing the formalities of filing his nomination, Dr Jitendra Singh proceeded to address a spirited rally at Ramlila Maidan in Kathua city.

Dr Singh, who previously served as the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, has previously secured victory in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections from the same constituency. Prior to filing his nomination, Dr Singh commenced the day with a morning puja, seeking divine blessings for a successful campaign ahead.

As the deadline for nominations approaches on March 27, political fervour intensifies in the region. The scrutiny of nomination papers is slated for March 28, followed by the withdrawal of candidature by March 30. The Lok Sabha elections for the Udhampur seat are scheduled for April 19.

Meanwhile, in a significant development, former BJP-PDP government minister Chaudhary Lal Singh, a two-time MP, has returned to the Congress fold after nearly a decade. Lal Singh has expressed his intent to contest from the Udhampur seat.