As soon as the Election Commission has said that a full bench of the Commission can possibly visit the state on March 12-13 to explore the possibilities of Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir, an electoral atmosphere has started developing there. Debates have started in the state among political parties on ‘Jod-Gathjod or Ekla Chalo’.
DDC Election was a Great Experience
However, the union government of India had made up its mind to return statehood to Jammu and Kashmir at the same time when the DDC (District Development Council) elections were conducted. The DDC elections were the first by the union government in Jammu and Kashmir since August 5, 2019. Which was successful to a great extent.
Where is GUPKAR
It has been 3 years since the DDC elections and the DDC members who won on BJP ticket are still intact, while the GUPKAR has been dissolved. There has been a lot of development in Jammu and Kashmir in these three years also.
BJP was Single Largest Party in DDC Election
In DDC elections, BJP was in one camp and a Alliance of six political parties (GUPKAR) was in the other camp. These six parties were National Conference, PDP, People’s Conference, CPIM, People’s Movement, and Awami National Conference. This alliance had got a total of 110 seats in the DDC elections, but on January 19, 2021, the People’s Conference, which won 8 seats, broke ties with the Gupkar Alliance. In this way, BJP emerged as the single largest party by winning 75 seats in the DDC elections held on 28 November 2020.
More than 2 Crore Tourists Visited J&K
For the first time after independence, more than 2 crore tourists have come to Jammu and Kashmir. Union Tourism and Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy told the Rajya Sabha during Question Hour that this is the first time since independence that such a large number of tourists have come to Jammu and Kashmir and the credit for this was given to the abrogation of Article 370.
G20 Meeting in J&K
India’s presidency of the G20 became a platform to promote the tourism sector as more than 200 meetings of the G20 were held in more than 50 cities in the country and Indian culture was showcased to the rest of the world. He termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the biggest ambassador of Indian tourism as he always promotes tourism activities and invites people from other countries to visit India during his visit to any country.
Union Government Invested 58,477 Crore in J&K
The union government sitting in Delhi started 53 projects worth Rs 58 thousand 477 crore in Jammu and Kashmir through the state government, out of which 33 have been completed. Work on the rest is in progress. Which means, while BJP has made a place in the hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the Gupkar Thugbandhan has disintegrated due to their own selfish interests. At present, the stars of PM Modi are continuously on the rise, both in the country and abroad.
PM Modi’s Image Can be a Trump Card for BJP in State Elections
BJP would like to take advantage of PM Modi’s image. There is also a judgement of the Supreme Court to hold general elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September this year and return statehood to Jammu & Kashmir. People are use to say that, ‘circumstances are in favor of BJP’.
Political Debates has Begun
However, as soon as the Election Commission has announced to send its full bench to Kashmir, political parties have indulged in hot debates. National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah announced to contest the elections alone. PDP will also contest elections separately. According to the equations in the Jammu-Kashmir so far, the wind is blowing in favor of BJP i.e. NDA. If the Election Commission is satisfied with the arrangements of the state, then it is possible that elections in Jammu and Kashmir may be held in April or May 2024.
Full Bench of EC to Visit J&K on March 12-13
As per official Sources, EC comprising Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners full bench would visit J&K likely on March 12 and 13, to review preparedness for Lok Sabha polls to be held in April and May. During its visit to J&K, the poll panel is expected to meet different stakeholders including political parties and officials from civil administration and police. The poll-panel could also asses’ feasibility for holding Assembly polls in J&K in view of the deadline set-up by the Supreme Court. On December 11, 2023, the Supreme Court had directed the Election Commission of India to hold J&K Assembly polls by September 30, 2024.
J&K is Under Central Rule since June 19, 2018
Jammu & Kashmir is without any elected government since June 19, 2018 when BJP withdrew support to Mehbooba Mufti-led government, citing deteriorating security situation in the erstwhile state. It is worthwhile to mention that the Election Commission of India has approved 635 companies of paramilitary forces in Jammu and Kashmir and 57 in Ladakh for conduct of polls for six Lok Sabha seats in the two Union Territories carved out of the erstwhile state of J&K.