Political parties are intensifying their preparations for the upcoming elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, set to take place in three phases. Polling will begin on September 18, followed by voting on September 25 and October 1, with the vote counting scheduled for October 8.
The National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have focused on the restoration of Article 370 in their campaign agendas. In contrast, the BJP has dismissed Article 370 as irrelevant to the present political landscape.
These elections mark the first since Article 370’s abrogation. During a campaign in Jammu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the Congress and NC manifestos, claiming they aim to destabilize the region. Shah said, “They want to spread terrorism, snatch reservations of Gujjars, Bakarwal, Paharis, and Dalits, release criminals, and start LOC trade with Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.”
He further highlighted the BJP’s agenda, questioning the opposition’s intent to restore Article 370 and revoke reservations, stating, “No matter how much effort you put in, we will not let the reservation of Gujjars, Bakarwal, Paharis, and Dalits be touched.”
Meanwhile, NC Vice President Omar Abdullah stated that the restoration of Article 370 is a long-term struggle. “Article 370 and the special status of J&K are part of the National Conference’s ideology… It took the BJP decades to do this, and we are not foolish to think that we will be able to undo it in 5 years. It’s a long struggle,” he said.
The NC and Congress have formed a pre-poll alliance for the upcoming elections, which feature 90 constituencies, including seats reserved for SCs and STs. According to the Election Commission, Jammu and Kashmir has 88.06 lakh eligible voters.
In the last elections, the PDP secured 28 seats, BJP 25, NC 15, and Congress 12.
