Explained: Why 2024 J&K Assembly polls are significant
What's the story
The first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections is currently underway, marking a significant event in the region's political landscape.
This election follows closely on the heels of the Lok Sabha elections, which witnessed an unprecedented voter turnout in over three decades.
The assembly polls are being conducted after a gap of 10 years, with subsequent phases scheduled for September 25 and October 1.
Historic context
First assembly elections since Article 370 abrogation
These elections hold particular significance as they are the first to be held since the central government revoked Article 370 in 2019.
This article had previously granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Following its revocation, the region was bifurcated into two Union Territories—J&K and Ladakh.
Leading parties like the National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) are vying for power in these historic elections.
Campaign pledges
Election promises center around restoration of statehood
The PDP and NC have pledged to restore Article 370 and statehood to J&K.
Congress, in alliance with the NC for these elections, has also promised to reinstate J&K's statehood but has remained silent on the issue of special status.
The BJP too has committed to restoring statehood, indicating that this is a major concern in these elections.
Boundary changes
Delimitation exercise and its impact on elections
These elections are also the first since a delimitation exercise was conducted in 2022.
This process involved redrawing the boundaries of parliamentary and assembly constituencies based on 2011 population data.
As a result, six additional assembly seats were allocated to Jammu and one to Kashmir, bringing their respective totals to 43 and 47.
The impact of these changes on the BJP's influence, particularly in its stronghold of Jammu, will be revealed once election results are announced.