by Akshita Wadhwa
Before the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) wielded control, but now the power is in the hands of the Jammu Kashmir National Conference (JKNC). How will things shape up?
Current scenario
The first-ever polls in Jammu and Kashmir after it was made a Union Territory witnessed a voter turnout of 63.45 per cent, less than the 65.52 per cent recorded in the 2014 assembly elections. The alliance of NC and Congress, JKNC (Jammu Kashmir National Conference) has the upper hand in Jammu and Kashmir’s present elections of 2024, with 41 seats in their basket. Other parties including the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP), Independent (IND), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), etc are back in the race.
Talking about the background, the first elections after J&K’s accession to India had the National Conference party shaping regional politics under the leadership of Sheikh Abdullah. Afterwards, the dismissal of Sheikh Abdullah’s government happened in 1953 which led to the imposition of President’s Rule. The state was reorganised and became union territory splitting J&K and Ladakh separately in 2019. The year also brought with itself the abrogation of Article 370 (which granted Jammu and Kashmir autonomy). The last coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir was formed after the 2014 Assembly elections. It was an alliance between the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the BJP.
Local expectations
As Jammu and Kashmir embarks on a new phase of elections, the local citizens have high hopes for the leaders in power to fulfil their expectations and develop the union territory. These include issues such as water crisis, electricity issues, delay of pensions, cleaning of garbage dumps and a few others. Campaigns have been launched to encourage participation emphasising on the development. Voter engagement has been increased as compared to the previous elections providing voters an opportunity to come to the front through meaningful representation.
Centre’s approach to region
The relations of the centre and state play a crucial role in the further big decisions. The alignment with the party in the centre with the party in the region can facilitate smoother implementation of the policies as well as the work. This scenario can take place when the BJP rules in both the assemblies. Conversely, when BJP governors are at the centre while JKNC rules the power in the region, the decision-making can be disturbed, for controversial issues like Article 370, autonomy, etc. Post-election relations also influence the extent of central aid and infrastructure projects in J&K.
Ripple effect on National security
A stable government post-election helps strengthen internal security, which the union territory is its best to do. It will enhance India’s image globally as a democratic nation. However, if the opposite happens, it will lead to disputes among the nations sharing the borders. Ultimately, the future of Jammu and Kashmir hinges on effective governance, promoting peace and stability in the region.
The author can be mailed at sdogra965@gmail.com
