JSM banks on separate state plank in Billawar

The Jammu State Morcha (JSM), backed by RSS, has tried to bring the separate state ‘‘movement’’ from Jammu to Kathua by ...

The Jammu State Morcha (JSM), backed by RSS, has tried to bring the separate state ‘‘movement’’ from Jammu to Kathua by fielding Kashmir Singh as its candidate from Billawar. Though BJP is backing the JSM candidate, both Singh and sitting Congress MLA Balbir Singh are going to face a tough challenge from Independent Manohar Singh.

In the past five terms, this constituency has elected a Rajput candidate but Manohar, a Brahmin, has put tremendous pressure on the others. Ram Chand Khajuria is the only Brahmin to win from here twice, in 1957 and 1962, on an NC ticket.

The battle lines are clearly drawn and Manohar is very much in the fray. JSM’s Kashmir is an old face though the party is new. He lost the 1996 polls to Congress’ Balbir by 632 votes.

Ruling NC had Sanjiv Khajuria ‘Romi’ but it fielded an old guard and former minister Suram Singh at the last moment. ‘‘Our party did not take the right decision. Romi was best. I don’t know how heartily partymen are working for Suram,’’ said a senior NC leader. This has put Suram, who was third in last polls, in a spot.

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Balbir is trying his best to retain the seat. The party has a good track record with five wins in the last eight Assembly polls. Balbir is yet to recover from the lack of support from Manohar — who’s himself in the fray this year — and Hukum Chand, an ex-Congressman fighting on an NCP ticket.

With 14 men in the fray, this constituency may see a keen contest. The BSP has changed its candidate and fielded Oma Dutt Manhas.

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