The first phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections commenced on Wednesday, marking a significant event as voters in 24 constituencies across seven districts headed to the polls. Voting concluded around 6 PM, with the Election Commission of India reporting an overall turnout of 61.13 percent. Kishtwar district registered the highest voter turnout, reflecting robust participation in the region.
The Inderwal Assembly constituency recorded an impressive turnout of 82.16 percent, the highest in the first phase, followed closely by Padder-Nagseni with 80.67 percent. Both constituencies are located in Kishtwar, part of the Jammu region. While Inderwal had seen a voter turnout of 75.72 percent in the 2014 elections, Padder-Nagseni is a new constituency formed after the 2022 delimitation exercise.
This election is particularly significant as it is the first since the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the state. The last Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir were held in 2014.
First Elections Since Article 370 Revocation
This Assembly election is momentous, not only because it is the first since the abrogation of Article 370, which previously granted Jammu and Kashmir special autonomy, but also because it is the first since the region was bifurcated into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Article 370 had provided the state with its constitution, flag, and autonomy over internal matters except for defense, communications, and foreign affairs. Its removal in 2019 marked a significant political shift, and this election is the first opportunity for citizens to engage in democratic processes under the new status.
The political stakes are high as statehood restoration is one of the major issues in this election. Both national parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and regional forces, including the Congress and the National Conference (NC), have promised to work toward restoring statehood. The contest features significant players like the BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress, and regional leaders such as Mehbooba Mufti of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Abdul Ghani Lone’s People’s Conference, and Ghulam Nabi Azad’s Democratic Progressive Azad Party. An unexpected player in this year’s election is the banned Jamaat-e-Islami, which is reportedly backing several candidates.
Voter Turnout and Constituency Battles
The first phase of polling, held across 24 constituencies spanning districts such as Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, Anantnag, and others, witnessed a promising turnout. Notably, Pulwama emerged as one of the key battlegrounds. The contest between PDP youth leader Waheed ur Rehman Para and former party veteran Mohammad Khalil Band from the NC has drawn considerable attention. Para, contesting his first election, was once a close aide of Band, having campaigned for him in 2008 and 2014 before the latter switched to the National Conference. Para, who is out on bail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), represents a new generation of leadership in the region, while Band, a seasoned three-time MLA, symbolizes the old guard.
Polling also took place in regions like Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, and Banihal, while eight constituencies were located in Jammu and 16 in the Kashmir valley. Despite challenges related to remote locations, particularly in the Pir Panjal range, the Election Commission reported a provisional voter turnout of over 61% by the end of the day. This marks a return to levels similar to those seen in the 2014 elections, when participation surged to 65.5%.
A Democratic Shift for Jammu and Kashmir
This election marks a crucial moment in Jammu and Kashmir’s democratic journey. The turnout in these elections reflects a significant moment of engagement, particularly given the region’s turbulent history of political boycotts, militancy, and unrest. Voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections has fluctuated over the decades, with earlier elections in the 1960s seeing participation as low as 40%, only to rise to 75% by 1987.
Despite attempts by separatist groups to disrupt the electoral process, voter engagement has steadily increased.
In the 2014 elections, turnout reached over 66%, even as calls for a boycott echoed across the valley. Northern Kashmir, in particular, saw a surge in voter participation, with several constituencies recording turnout exceeding 70%. By the time the elections concluded, 30 out of 46 constituencies had turnout figures over 50%, a significant milestone for a region often marred by unrest.
The fractured mandate of 2014 saw the PDP emerge as the largest party with 28 seats, but it fell short of an outright majority. The BJP followed closely with 25 seats, and the NC and Congress secured 15 and 12 seats, respectively. In terms of vote share, the BJP led with 23%, followed by the PDP at around the same level, and NC and Congress slightly behind at 21% and 18%, respectively. These results indicated a dynamic shift in the political landscape, with higher voter turnout increasingly favoring the BJP and Congress.
Looking Ahead: Political Future at Stake
The outcome of this year’s Assembly election will set the course for Jammu and Kashmir’s political future, especially regarding its governance as a Union Territory. The restoration of statehood remains a key demand for many political parties, with the BJP, Congress, and regional parties pledging to address it if elected to power.
The future of Jammu and Kashmir’s democratic institutions rests on the results of this election, which will decide how the region moves forward after years of instability and change. The next phases of voting, scheduled for September 25 and October 1, will further solidify voter preferences across the region, with the final results expected after the counting of ballots on October 8.
In the broader context of Jammu and Kashmir’s political evolution, these elections could represent the dawn of a more inclusive and stable democratic process.
The participation of young leaders, like Waheed ur Rehman Para, alongside veteran politicians, indicates a shift toward a new generation of leadership. With turnout figures signaling strong voter engagement, this election could potentially reshape the region’s political and social landscape for years to come.
