In a landmark election following the abrogation of Article 370, the Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance won the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. The alliance won 49of the 90 seats, marking a significant political shift in the region.
The BJP, which was expected to be a strong contender, managed to bag 29 seats. Meanwhile, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) led by former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, which formed a coalition with the BJP after the 2014 elections but collapsed by 2018, won in three constituencies.
NC Takes the Lead in the Alliance
The National Conference has been the driving force behind the alliance’s success. This marks a significant resurgence for the NC, which had won only 15 seats in the 2014 Assembly elections.
The PDP, which had won 28 seats in the 2014 election, has seen its fortunes drastically decline. The party’s limited leads are a stark contrast to its past performance.
BJP’s Challenges and the Controversial Nominated MLAs
The BJP, which won 25 seats in the 2014 Assembly elections, got 29 seats. The party’s performance in Jammu and Kashmir was closely watched, as it was a key opportunity for the BJP to regain ground in the region after its recent political challenges.
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One major controversy surrounding this election is the nomination of five MLAs by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. These five nominated members, including two women, two Kashmiri Pandits, and a displaced person from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, will hold full legislative powers. The Congress, NC, and PDP have strongly criticized this move, accusing the Lieutenant Governor of subverting the democratic process. “This is an assault on democracy… and fundamental principles of the Constitution,” said senior J&K Congress leader Ravinder Sharma.
The Delimitation Commission’s decision to increase the number of seats in the Legislative Assembly to 95, combined with the controversial nominations, has added another layer of complexity to the political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir.
A Historic Election for Jammu and Kashmir
This election, held over three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1, is the first in Jammu and Kashmir since Article 370 was revoked, making it a crucial test for both regional and national parties. As the results continue to pour in, the political future of the former state hangs in the balance, with the possibility of new alliances and power dynamics shaping the next government.
