For the first time in 10 years, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are set to vote in assembly elections. Seven districts on either side of the Pir Panjal mountain range will participate in phase one of polling, marking a significant moment in the region’s political history. This election comes at a time of great change, following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special constitutional status and reorganized it into a union territory. As over 23 lakh eligible voters head to the polls on Wednesday, the stakes have never been higher.
The first phase will see voters deciding the fate of 219 candidates across 24 assembly segments—eight in Jammu and 16 in the Kashmir Valley. Among these candidates are political heavyweights like Iltija Mufti of the PDP, National Conference veteran Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, and Congress’s Ghulam Ahmad Mir. With parties like the National Conference, Congress, PDP, and BJP all fielding key candidates, the political landscape is charged with competition and complex alliances. Despite the NC-Congress alliance, both parties have engaged in friendly contests in certain constituencies, adding another layer of intrigue.
Security arrangements have been heightened, with Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Paramilitary Forces, and J-K Armed Police working together to ensure the elections proceed smoothly. More than 14,000 polling staff will oversee the process at 3,276 polling stations, with a focus on maximizing voter turnout in both urban and rural areas.
These elections represent more than just a return to the ballot box—they symbolize a crucial step in the evolving political journey of Jammu and Kashmir. The region has been at the center of political and developmental changes since the abrogation of Article 370, and the election is an opportunity for residents to voice their aspirations for the future. Voters will be keenly aware of the issues at stake: development, security, and greater political representation in a post-Article 370 landscape.
The upcoming polls will also test the electorate’s response to the efforts made by the government to improve infrastructure and governance in the region. While some states have seen significant progress, others still struggle with economic and developmental challenges. Moreover, key candidates running for office, including first-time participants like Iltija Mufti, represent a new generation of politicians tasked with addressing these pressing issues.
As Jammu and Kashmir heads into this historic election, the political environment is more charged than ever before. With both seasoned politicians and emerging faces in the fray, the outcome will be crucial in shaping the region’s future. The results will serve as an important indicator of the people’s mood following years of political upheaval and transformation. Ultimately, these elections offer the people of Jammu and Kashmir a chance to forge a path toward stability, development, and representation in the years ahead.
J&K Set for Historic Elections
