The picturesque yet politically tumultuous valley of Jammu and Kashmir is on the edge of its seat as it gears up for what promises to be a nail-biting election, teeming with uncertainty. Decades of militancy and insurgency had cast a long shadow over democratic processes, but now, the people are witnessing the return of electoral fervour. A tug of war has ensued between major political heavyweights like the National Conference (NC), the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the Congress, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), each vying for the people’s mandate.
Adding to the drama, smaller players such as the Apni Party and Jamaat-e-Islami have also thrown their hats into the ring, shaking up the traditional political landscape. While the electorate may hold tempered expectations, the very act of holding these elections is being seen as a triumph of democracy over conflict, symbolising a renewed hope for the future of the region.
One of the core differences between the leading political players in Jammu and Kashmir revolves around their stance on the abrogation of Article 370 and the issue of statehood. National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah has been vocal about restoring Article 370, which granted special status to the region before its revocation in 2019. On September 9, 2024, he reaffirmed that the restoration of Article 370 remains the “voice of the people” of J&K, even acknowledging that the process could take years.
The Congress, while echoing the demand for the restoration of statehood, has not directly committed to reviving Article 370. On September 4, 2024, during the launch of the party’s election campaign, Rahul Gandhi promised that the Congress would restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir if it came to power, signalling a priority for administrative autonomy over the current constitutional provision.
In contrast, the BJP remains firm in its stance against Article 370. Home Minister Amit Shah, referencing NC’s manifesto, reiterated that the special provision has been “buried forever” and that the BJP will not allow any attempts at its restoration. These divergent positions reflect a larger battle for the soul of Jammu and Kashmir’s political future, with Article 370 and statehood at the centre of the discourse.
The National Conference and Congress need to recognise that while they can critique the manner in which Article 370 was abrogated, the reality is that it is now part of history. The political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir has undergone a significant shift, with a growing sense of normalcy returning to the valley. Given the wider political discourse across India, revisiting Article 370 is essentially committing political suicide. The Congress, initially a staunch opponent of the scrapping of Article 370, even joined the Gupkar Alliance, calling for its restoration; however, sensing the shifting political winds, the party distanced itself from the alliance and adopted a more nuanced stance on the issue.
Despite this recalibration, the Congress remains in an awkward alliance with the NC, which continues to push for the restoration of Article 370. This ideological divergence has cast uncertainty over their partnership and election prospects. With the BJP firmly opposed to any reversal and public sentiment in the rest of India largely in favour of the move, the NC and the Congress face a precarious balancing act, one that could determine their future influence in the region as well as in the larger national polity.
The rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, who have faced displacement and hardship for decades, features in the manifestoes of NC, PDP as well as the BJP. While all these parties pledge to address this long-standing issue, the challenge lies not just in ensuring their return, but in creating a safe and sustainable environment for their reintegration. The recent surge in militant attacks in Jammu shows that, while significant progress has been made, the battle is far from over. The hope remains that whichever party assumes power is able to completely eradicate terrorism, enabling the Kashmiri Pandits to finally return home and rebuild their lives in a secure Jammu and Kashmir.
Another irksome aspect of the NC and PDP manifestoes is their disproportionate emphasis on initiating dialogue with Pakistan to resolve the so-called “Kashmir issue.” It’s high time their leadership realises that the “Pakistan angle” is a relic of the past. Kashmir is an internal matter of India—end of story. One doesn’t need to be directly aligned with the ISI to further Pakistan’s narrative, but advocating for talks with a terror-sponsoring nation effectively legitimises their terrorism. By clinging to this outdated stance, these parties come across as stuck in a bygone era. If they truly wish to counter the BJP’s dominance, they need to adopt a more forward-looking, progressive approach, one that resonates with the aspirations of today’s India and its people.
To further complicate things, the banned Jamaat-e-Islami also held an election rally in south Kashmir’s Kulgam, marking its first show of force since 1987. While still proscribed, the group has chosen to back a slate of independent candidates, making an indirect foray into the electoral arena. This rally signifies a bold move, raising concerns about the resurgence of Jamaat’s influence in local politics, despite its legal status.
Meanwhile, the People’s Conference (PC) has thrown its hat into the ring with a strategic play in north Kashmir. Party president Sajad Lone will contest from both Handwara and Kupwara, his home turf and a seat the party previously won. While confident in Handwara, the PC seems to face more uncertainty in Kupwara, where it hopes to consolidate its support base. This dual candidacy by Lone signals a calculated risk, but also underlines his political clout in the region.
Further adding to the complexity, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) made a sudden shift in its strategy in the Uri constituency. After initially backing Independent candidate Taj Mohiuddin, the PDP decided to field its own candidate, potentially in response to the Apni Party’s decision to also support Mohiuddin. This abrupt reversal highlights the fluidity of alliances and the tactical manoeuvring taking place as the parties jostle for power. And finally, Engineer Rashid’s party could also be a wildcard in north Kashmir. Having already secured a Member of Parliament (MP) seat from the region, Rashid’s influence might translate into unexpected victories in the Assembly elections.
To truly shift the tide in Jammu and Kashmir, the region must embrace a progressive, forward-thinking approach. The fixation on past grievances and an insatiable urge to hold cross-border dialogues only perpetuate division and hinder real progress. The focus should be on actionable solutions—restoring Kashmiri Pandits to their rightful homes, boosting economic development, and dismantling the remnants of terrorism. Political parties clinging to outdated strategies are not just out of touch, they are failing the people they claim to serve.
For Kashmir to emerge from its shadowed past and thrive, it needs leaders who prioritise modern governance, inclusivity, and concrete action over nostalgic rhetoric. The time for change is now, and it must be driven by a vision that aligns with the demands of a new, united India.
The writer takes special interest in history, culture and geopolitics. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.