Analysis by Social Activist Sheikh Muneer
1.Elections After a Long Hiatus: The Return of Democracy
In 2024, after a prolonged period of direct rule by the central government, Jammu and Kashmir finally saw the return of democratic elections. This was the first election in the region since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which had stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and turned it into a Union Territory. For nearly five years, the region was governed by a Lieutenant Governor appointed by the central government, with no elected state government. The 2024 elections were a pivotal moment, representing the restoration of a democratic process that had been long awaited by the people, who were eager to have a say in their governance once again.
2.NC’s Victory in 2024: A Historic Return to Power
In October 2024, the National Conference (NC) emerged as the largest party in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections and won 42 out of 90 seats.Omar Abdullah was once again sworn in as Chief Minister, riding on a wave of optimism fueled by promises of restoring autonomy and driving development in the region. The people of Jammu and Kashmir had high expectations from the NC, which had previously held power in the state and positioned itself as the party capable of addressing their concerns.
3.Lofty Promises in NC’s Manifesto
The National Conference based its campaign on several ambitious promises aimed at addressing long-standing issues in Jammu and Kashmir. Some of the key pledges made in their manifesto were:
- Restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s Special Status: The party vowed to reinstate Article 370, which granted the region autonomy before its revocation by the central government in 2019.
- Repeal of the Public Safety Act (PSA): NC promised to eliminate the controversial PSA, a law that allowed detention without trial, which was widely criticized for its impact on political freedom.
- Job Creation: Addressing unemployment, particularly among the youth, was a top priority, with promises to create one lakh (100,000) jobs.
- Development Focus: The party pledged to improve infrastructure,healthcare, education, and tourism, as well as empower Panchayati Raj Institutions and launch welfare schemes for women and marginalized communities.
These promises were seen as a roadmap to restore hope and peace in a region that has been under constant turmoil since the revocation of its special status.
4.Failure to Satisfy the People’s Needs
Despite the NC’s victory, the government quickly ran into roadblocks.The political and legal complexities surrounding the restoration of Article 370, coupled with the central government’s firm stance against reversing its 2019 decision, rendered NC’s primary promise almost impossible to fulfill. The repeal of the PSA also faced significant resistance, and the party’s attempts to generate jobs and improve infrastructure lagged behind expectations.
The region continued to face socio-economic challenges, unemployment remained high, and the promises of development largely remained on paper. People’s expectations were high, but NC’s inability to deliver on these promises left the population disillusioned. Critics began accusing the party of making false promises to gain power, rather than addressing the real needs of the people.
- A Shift Towards BJP in the Upcoming Panchayat Elections
As dissatisfaction with the NC government grew, the public’s trust began to wane. There is now growing anticipation that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will lead in the upcoming Panchayat elections. The BJP, which has been positioning itself as a party of development and stability, has gained traction among voters who feel that the NC has merely used them for political gains without delivering on its promises.
People’s expectations have now shifted towards the BJP, with many believing that a change in leadership at the local level could bring about the development and security that the region needs. The BJP’s emphasis on central governance, development, and economic stability has resonated with voters who feel let down by the NC.
As Jammu and Kashmir heads towards its Panchayat elections, the tide seems to be turning. The NC’s failure to satisfy the people’s needs could very well pave the way for a significant shift in political power, with the BJP poised to capitalize on the growing dissatisfaction. The people of the region are hopeful for a more stable and prosperous future, and all eyes will be on the upcoming elections to see whether their hopes are realized under a new leadership.
