Jammu and Kashmir is set for its first assembly elections in a decade after it became a union territory in 2019 and Article 370 was repealed. The results of the three-phase assembly elections for 90 seats are expected to be declared on October 4. This will be the first time since 2014 that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will vote in the assembly elections.
After the redrawing of constituencies in 2022, the number of assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir has increased to 90. This includes 47 seats in the Kashmir Valley and 43 in Jammu. In 2019, Jammu and Kashmir was made a Union Territory, due to which many major powers are with the Lieutenant Governor. This decision limits the authority of the elected assembly.
This assembly election will be the first major test of political change in the region after the special status of Jammu and Kashmir was abolished. The elections will be a major indicator of political sentiment in the region which has undergone extensive changes in the last decade
The last assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir were held in 2014. Then voting was held for 87 assembly seats. After delimitation, there are now 90 seats here. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, 65.52 percent voting was recorded in Jammu and Kashmir.
A high voting percentage of 65.52 was recorded in the 2014 assembly elections. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) emerged as the largest party with 28 seats. While the Bharatiya Janata Party won 25 seats.
Farooq Abdullah’s National Conference had won 15 seats and Congress had won 12 seats. Seven seats went to small parties and independents. However, no party got majority in the 87-seat assembly, due to which a coalition government was formed.
What has changed since 2014?
The political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir has changed dramatically. The repeal of Article 370 in 2019 ended Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and made it a union territory. In 2022, a delimitation increased the number of assembly seats to 90. New constituencies have been added in Samba, Rajouri and Kathua districts of Jammu. Kupwara in Kashmir has got an additional seat.
The assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir have gone through several rounds of delimitation in 1957, 1966, 1975 and 1995. The last exercise was based on the 1981 census. It laid the foundation for the 1996 state elections.
What powers does the Lieutenant Governor have?
Since 2019, the Lieutenant Governor has significant powers in key areas including police and land-related decisions. The power of the elected assembly has been reduced and the Lieutenant Governor has to approve most decisions.
‘As they say, better late than never’
These elections will add a new chapter in the political history of Jammu and Kashmir. According to the Election Commission of India, ‘Considering the sensitivity of the area, it will be challenging to conduct elections in the northern districts of Kashmir.’
National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah has welcomed the Election Commission’s decision to hold assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir in three phases and called it long overdue. Abdullah said, ‘The people of Jammu and Kashmir were waiting for this day for a long time. But as they say, better late than never.’
What will be the future of Jammu and Kashmir?
As preparations for the elections progress, analysts are closely monitoring the mood of voters in areas affected by the delimitation changes. Its results will determine the future governance of Jammu and Kashmir under the status of a Union Territory.
After a decade of political change, Jammu and Kashmir will finally elect its assembly. The results will reveal how the people here view their new government, the new governance structure and their place in it.
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)