SUCHETGARH, SEPT 24: The Suchetgarh assembly constituency in Jammu district, located along the India-Pakistan international border, is set to witness its first election since being reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs), significantly altering the political dynamics. Historically dominated by Jat leaders, the seat has seen three out of four victories go to them since 1996.
This year’s election is shaping up as a triangular contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, and Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP). Among the 11 candidates are Karan Singh from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Bishan Dass from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and two women candidates.
The elections in Suchetgarh will be held in the final phase of the three-phase Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls on October 1, with the vote count scheduled for October 8.
BJP’s two-time MLA, Prof. Gharu Ram, is vying for a third consecutive term but faces stiff competition from Congress’ Bushan Lal and DPAP’s Ajaib Singh. Suchetgarh’s electorate is diverse, with the Jat community comprising approximately 45,000 voters, historically the largest and most influential group in the constituency. The SC community, now pivotal due to the seat’s reservation, is also expected to play a crucial role.
Gharu Ram, 68, previously won the Suchetgarh seat in 2002 and the R.S. Pura seat in 2008. He has also served as a district development council member. Ram credits the Modi government for alleviating border tensions, promoting development, and securing a GI tag for Suchetgarh’s famed Basmati rice.
“We are confident of securing victory and achieving a hat-trick for the BJP,” Gharu Ram said, pledging continued development efforts. The BJP has deployed star campaigners, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, G Kishan Reddy, and Jitendra Singh, to rally voters.
In contrast, Congress has yet to bring in star campaigners. Its candidate, Bushan Lal, an agriculturist and businessman, is banking on his deep connection with the grassroots. Lal expressed confidence in the Congress’ chances, claiming widespread voter dissatisfaction with the BJP’s rule.
Ajaib Singh of DPAP, representing the Batwal community, adds further complexity to the race. Singh previously ran as a BSP candidate in R.S. Pura and is seen as a representative of marginalized groups, potentially reshaping the electoral equation.
Suchetgarh’s residents, who live near the international border, have long endured cross-border shelling and ceasefire violations. Voters are focused on safety, security, and infrastructure development, particularly permanent bunkers and improved agricultural and healthcare facilities.
“Safety and security are our primary concerns. We want permanent peace and development in the region,” said Kulwant Singh Motton, a 72-year-old former teacher.
As a predominantly rural constituency reliant on agriculture, Suchetgarh faces challenges such as poor road connectivity, inadequate healthcare, and limited educational opportunities. Voters are looking for improvements in these areas, along with government support for border tourism. – (PTI)
