With the election results for both Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir now declared, we witness two distinct electoral outcomes—one where the BJP emerged victorious and another where it made significant inroads. Yet, amid Congress’s predictable outcry of foul play, one undeniable truth shines through—the resilience of democracy in Jammu and Kashmir, a region once overshadowed by strife. This momentous achievement is a testament to the BJP’s dedication to Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s enduring vision of Insaniyat, Kashmiriyat, and Jamhooriyat. The peaceful and record-breaking voter turnout and completion of the election reflects the people’s trust in this vision of PM Narendra Modi, further solidifying their faith in democratic processes.
The BJP’s performance in Jammu and Kashmir was undeniably historic. For a region long dominated by local parties, the BJP’s ability to make significant inroads and emerge as a key political force reflects the party’s growing acceptance among the people. This shift marks a major success, as the BJP is now a central player in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir—a remarkable achievement considering the complexities and challenges of the region. The party’s resilience and commitment to integrating the region into the national mainstream are clear, reinforcing the BJP’s influence and paving the way for future electoral gains.
Thanks to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the political discourse in the region has undergone a transformative shift. A state that was once reduced to a “stone-pelting industry” is now witnessing social, economic, and political progress through peaceful elections. This dramatic change is a result of the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has championed the cause of inclusive development and democratic resurgence. The promise of a bright future for the people of Kashmir is no longer a distant dream but an emerging reality.
Since the abrogation of Article 370 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a transformative wave of progress and development. The region, once mired in separatism and political instability, has been integrated more deeply into India’s constitutional framework, enabling direct governance, smoother implementation of central schemes, and greater economic investments. Infrastructure projects have accelerated, with new roads, schools, and healthcare facilities boosting the quality of life. Tourism has rebounded, further energizing the local economy, while initiatives such as the Industrial Development Package have attracted investment, creating jobs and fostering economic growth. Most importantly, the restoration of peace and the successful, peaceful elections in the region demonstrate the strength of democratic processes, aligning with PM Modi’s vision of stability and development for all of India.
This article aims to debunk persistent myths surrounding India’s democracy—myths propagated by some quarters, both domestically and internationally, that question its robustness. The voter turnout in traditionally volatile areas such as Sopore, long considered a hotbed of separatism and militancy, further illustrates this point. Sopore recorded a 41.44% turnout, an 11% increase from 2014. Similar encouraging figures emerged from Baramulla and Pattan constituencies, showing that the “festival of democracy” has peacefully reached every corner of the nation, even those once mired in violence.
Even more heartening is the fact that historically marginalized communities are now participating in the democratic process. For the first time, members of the Valmiki community exercised their franchise in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections—a monumental step towards achieving social justice and equality. In Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, and Kulgam, the voter turnout reached 80%, 71%, 70%, and 62%, respectively, showing widespread participation across the region.
However, as Prime Minister Modi has astutely pointed out, for Congress, democracy only seems to be legitimate when they are victorious. Despite overwhelming evidence of peaceful elections and robust democratic processes, Congress continues to level baseless accusations against the BJP. Ironically, this is the same political party the leader of which, Mr. Rahul Gandhi, under the Prime Ministership of Dr. Manmohan Singh, tore up a constitutionally passed ordinance in public view—an act that symbolized their disdain for democratic norms. Where was their respect for democracy then?
For a decade, the UPA government, remote-controlled by the Gandhi family, operated without transparency or accountability. When they lose elections, they cry foul, alleging EVM tampering, yet when they win, they conveniently stay silent on the same electoral system. This bankruptcy of new ideas and refusal to engage in constructive discourse highlights their discomfort with the growing democratic engagement under Modi’s leadership. Does democracy only function when Congress is in power? Shouldn’t a growing and engaged electorate, even in sensitive regions like Kashmir, be celebrated rather than questioned?
Unfortunately, Congress is not alone in building false narratives. Due to Rahul Gandhi’s relentless attempts at discrediting India’s democratic credentials, several international bodies have also raised unfounded concerns about the state of democracy in India. This, despite numerous instances of free and fair elections, a peaceful government transition, and growing electoral participation even in insurgency-hit and left-wing extremist areas.
Why are these baseless allegations being amplified? A recent study titled “An Analysis of Global Media Coverage of Events in India,” published by Prasar Bharati, examined the skewed narratives of major international outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, TIME, and The Guardian. The study found that most of these narratives draw from vague and opaque data points supplied by European-based non-governmental entities. In what world can Mexico, which has seen the highest number of electoral candidate murders, rank higher than India in terms of democratic integrity?
Even more ironically, organizations like Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which published the controversial Press Freedom Rankings, have themselves faced government censorship. RSF’s own reporter was detained and deported from Hong Kong for attempting to cover a story—a level of repression unimaginable in democratic India. Yet, India’s free press and electoral transparency continue to be unfairly criticized.
These false narratives must be countered with facts. The recent elections in Jammu and Kashmir reaffirm India’s position as one of the world’s largest and most vibrant democracies. Under the Modi government, democratic aspirations have not only been revived but are flourishing in regions once thought lost to violence and separatism. From social media campaigns like #KhushamdeedPM, which celebrated the Prime Minister’s visit, to the overwhelming voter participation, the people of Kashmir are embracing this newfound peace and democratic progress.
The Congress, with its outdated rhetoric and refusal to acknowledge these democratic milestones, continues to live in denial. Their attempts to derail the nation’s progress through false accusations and international lobbying only reveal their desperation.
As India moves forward, under the stewardship of PM Modi, towards a more inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous future, one thing is certain: democracy in India is alive, well, and thriving. And the people of Jammu and Kashmir are now an integral part of that democratic journey.
Tulla Veerender Goud, Spokesperson – BJP Telangana
