Srinagar, Oct 22 (HS): Former J&K BJP General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul on Thursday said he is going back to his parent organisation because of his health and age, after 14 years in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Speaking to media on the sidelines of a felicitation ceremony here, Koul said he had asked the party to relieve him. “I thank the BJP for relieving me,” he said. In a post on X, the BJP said Koul was honoured at the ceremony in recognition of his services, dedication and significant contributions to the organisation.

“In these 42 years, from 1985 to 2026, I have worked in many organisations. For the last 14 years, I have worked in the BJP. Now I am going back to the main organisation,” he said. Koul had held the post of General Secretary (Organisation) since 2012.

He said he has also been given responsibilities in his organisation, but will continue to work for the party and its workers as much as his age and health allow.

Koul has also changed the designation on his X handle to “Sadasya (member), Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), North India Working Committee.”

Koul said he never joined the BJP in order to get a post. “I didn’t want to become an MLA or hold a big post. I never thought about it. That’s why I have worked in this party for 14 years,” he said, thanking the party workers.

Asked about the changes he saw in Kashmir during his tenure, Koul said that when he came, the BJP’s presence in the Valley was like a small unit and the J&K BJP used to consider Kashmir a “district”. He said the organisation was first divided into three parts, north, south and central, then into 10 districts, and then representatives were appointed for 47 constituencies.

“We have brought the BJP to the grassroots. I have done this in these 14 years. I am proud of it, and I am proud of my workers, who supported me,” he said.

On the party’s prospects in the next elections in Kashmir, Koul said the BJP lost Gurez by about 1,000 votes and “can win” there. He said the party did very well in Rajpur and Shopian, among other constituencies, and that party workers will work on them. “I believe the BJP will win in Kashmir,” he said.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Zahoor Hussain Bhat