by Akhter Abas
The 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections are more than just a routine electoral exercise—they represent a seismic shift in the region’s political landscape. For the first time since the revocation of Article 370, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have turned out in droves, making these elections a litmus test for the future of the UT’s democratic and political trajectory. This renewed voter engagement, coupled with the participation of a diverse array of political candidates, signals a significant shift in both the political culture and the public’s attitude towards governance and representation.
The decade leading up to these elections has been marked by turmoil. However, the 2024 elections, with their unprecedented voter turnout and peaceful conduct, mark the beginning of a new chapter. In stark contrast to the separatist threats and election boycotts of the past, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have embraced the democratic process, a clear indication of their desire for change, development, and stability.
The participation of candidates from formerly marginalized political groups, including those affiliated with Jamaat-e-Islami and even former separatist members, is another critical development. Their decision to contest these elections reflects a broader shift away from separatist ideologies towards mainstream politics, symbolizing a willingness to engage with democratic institutions rather than remain on the periphery. This growing inclusivity has expanded the political spectrum, providing voters with a wider array of options and reinforcing the legitimacy of the electoral process.
For the national and regional political parties, the stakes could not have been higher. The BJP, having invested considerable political capital since the abrogation of Article 370, faces stiff competition from regional heavyweights like the National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), both of which are still reeling from the political fallout of the past decade. Yet, the BJP has managed to carve out a stronghold in parts of Jammu and even in certain sections of the Kashmir Valley, leveraging a development narrative that resonates with a segment of the electorate.
However, it is the rise of newer political forces, like the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP), the Awami Ithaad Party (AIP), and the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference, that has truly redefined the political landscape. These parties, unburdened by the baggage of traditional dynastic politics, have positioned themselves as viable alternatives to the NC and PDP, which have struggled to maintain their once-dominant grip. The entry of Sarjan Barkati’s daughter into the political arena, for example, signals a generational shift, where younger leaders are emerging with the promise of a fresh start for Jammu and Kashmir UT.
While the BJP’s strength in Jammu remains undeniable, the opposition’s efforts to unite under a common cause have added a layer of complexity to the political battle, as each party attempts to assert its relevance in a landscape.
What sets the 2024 elections apart, however, is not just the participation of new political players or the competition between regional forces. It is the peaceful and orderly manner in which the elections were conducted. Enhanced security measures, coupled with a more engaged electorate, ensured that this election was free from the violence and fear that had plagued past polls. This, in itself, is a victory for democracy and a testament to the determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to reclaim their political voice.
As the election results are awaited, one thing is clear: the people of Jammu and Kashmir have reaffirmed their commitment to democratic ideals, signaling the start of a new era. Regardless of which party emerges victorious, the real winner of these elections is democracy itself. The electorate’s resounding participation, the inclusion of a wider political spectrum, and the peaceful conduct of the polls suggest that Jammu and Kashmir is ready to move beyond its turbulent past, embracing a future rooted in development, representation, and democratic governance.
These elections are a reminder that, despite the challenges, the spirit of democracy is alive and well in Jammu and Kashmir UT, offering hope for a more stable and prosperous future.
The author can be mailed at abasakhter14@gmail.com
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