The long-awaited Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) are finally set to take place, marking a significant milestone in the region’s journey back to democratic governance.
The Election Commission (EC) announced on Friday that the elections will be held in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1, with the results to be declared on October 4.
This move comes as part of efforts to meet the Supreme Court’s directive to restore democracy in J&K by the end of September, a region that has been under Governor’s Rule since 2018.
Restoring Democracy: A Supreme Court Mandate
The Supreme Court of India, in a landmark ruling in December 2023, directed the Election Commission to hold Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30, 2024.
This ruling came in response to petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the former state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
While the Court upheld the scrapping of Article 370, it emphasized the need for J&K to have a democratically elected government and for the restoration of its statehood at the earliest.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a visit to Srinagar last month, reiterated the government’s commitment to holding elections in the region and restoring its statehood.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir have been waiting for this moment. An election will be held soon, and statehood will be restored,” he assured.
Election Commission’s Preparations and Challenges
The Election Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, has been actively preparing for the upcoming elections. The final voter list is expected to be published by August 20, shortly after the conclusion of the Amarnath Yatra.
With around 87 lakh voters expected to participate, the EC is focused on ensuring a smooth and secure election process.
During a recent visit to Jammu and Kashmir, the EC team met with political parties, senior police, and security officials to assess the region’s readiness for the elections.
“We saw great enthusiasm among the people. They want to participate in the democratic process and script a new future for themselves,” said Kumar. He highlighted the long queues witnessed during the Lok Sabha elections in J&K and Ladakh as evidence of the people’s desire for change. “The people chose ballots over bullets… They want to write their own destiny,” he added.
However, the upcoming elections are not without challenges. Hours before the EC’s announcement, a large-scale reshuffle of senior police officers, including district chiefs and the head of J&K Police’s Intelligence unit, raised concerns among opposition parties.
The National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have questioned the timing of the reshuffle, especially as several districts in Jammu have seen increased terror activities.
Political Reactions: NC and BJP Respond
The announcement of the election dates has elicited mixed reactions from political leaders in the region. National Conference leader and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed the decision but expressed concerns over the recent police reshuffle.
“After 1987-88, this is probably the first time an election is happening in phases. It will be a new experience for us. The EC has emphasized free and fair polls, but we are worried about the recent police transfers. We fear this was done to benefit the center and the BJP,” Abdullah said.
On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has welcomed the announcement, with its J&K in-charge, Tarun Chugh, expressing confidence in the party’s prospects. “The announcement of dates is worth welcoming.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, J&K has become free of Article 370. People have faith in PM Modi, and the BJP will fight elections in J&K with full force,” Chugh said.
The upcoming elections are expected to be a crucial test for both the BJP and the regional parties, as they seek to navigate the complex political landscape of J&K. The BJP’s focus on the abrogation of Article 370 and its promises of development and security will likely be central to its campaign.
Meanwhile, the NC, PDP, and other regional parties will be aiming to reclaim their influence in the region and address the aspirations of the people.
Looking Ahead: The Way to Statehood
The Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are not just a political exercise but a significant step towards restoring normalcy and democratic governance in the region.
The successful conduct of these elections will be crucial in addressing the grievances of the people and paving the way for the restoration of statehood.
As the region gears up for the elections, the EC’s emphasis on free and fair polls will be closely watched. The political atmosphere in J&K remains charged, with both national and regional parties preparing for a high-stakes contest.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir, who have endured years of political uncertainty and turmoil, now stand at the threshold of a new chapter in their history.
The Election Commission’s announcement marks a critical moment in this journey, and all eyes will be on Jammu and Kashmir as it prepares to exercise its democratic rights once again.
