ELECTIONS IN JAMMU&KASHMIR

The 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly election is set to take place from September 18, 2024, to October 1, 2024, in three phases.

Polling will occur in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on September 18, 2024 (Phase I), September 25, 2024 (Phase II), and October 1, 2024 (Phase III). Voters will elect 90 members to the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.

This election is the first since the revocation of the territory’s special status and the withdrawal of its statehood in 2019.

The 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly election will take place in three phases:

Phase I:

• Notification Date: August 20, 2024
• Last Date for Filing Nominations: August 27, 2024
• Scrutiny of Nominations: August 28, 2024
• Last Date for Withdrawal of Nominations: August 30, 2024
• Date of Poll: September 18, 2024
• Number of Constituencies: 24

Phase II:

• Notification Date: August 29, 2024
• Last Date for Filing Nominations: September 5, 2024
• Scrutiny of Nominations: September 6, 2024
• Last Date for Withdrawal of Nominations: September 9, 2024
• Date of Poll: September 25, 2024
• Number of Constituencies: 26

Phase III:

• Notification Date: September 5, 2024
• Last Date for Filing Nominations: September 12, 2024
• Scrutiny of Nominations: September 13, 2024
• Last Date for Withdrawal of Nominations: September 17, 2024
• Date of Poll: October 1, 2024
• Number of Constituencies: 40

Counting of Votes: October 4, 2024

As of August 2024, Jammu and Kashmir is preparing for the upcoming assembly elections. These elections are significant as they will be the first assembly elections since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which had granted Jammu and Kashmir a special status. The region has since been reorganized into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

Key Points:

1. Election Timing: The 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly election is set to take place from September 18, 2024, to October 1, 2024, in three phases.
2. Political Landscape: The major political parties in the region include the National Conference (NC), the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and various local and independent candidates. The political dynamics have been evolving, with parties adjusting their strategies in response to the changes in the political and administrative framework.
3. Preparation and Campaigns: Campaigning is underway with parties focusing on various local issues, development agendas, and governance promises. The BJP has been emphasizing its development agenda, while the NC and PDP are highlighting their regional and historical concerns.
4. Electoral Reforms: The electoral process will be monitored closely, and the Election Commission is expected to ensure that the elections are free and fair, with adequate security measures in place given the region’s historical complexities.

Previous Elections:

The previous Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections were held between November and December 2014. Following these elections, a coalition government was formed by the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with Mufti Mohammad Sayeed serving as the Chief Minister.

Mufti Mohammad Sayeed passed away on January 7, 2016. After a brief period of Governor’s rule, Mehbooba Mufti, his daughter, was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.

Phase wise constituencies:

Parties:

1. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

• Position: National party with a strong presence in Jammu.
• Focus: Development, governance, and integration with the rest of India.

2. National Conference (NC)

• Position: Major regional party with a significant following in the Kashmir Valley.
• Focus: Autonomy, regional issues, and socio-economic development.

3. Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

• Position: A significant regional party in Kashmir.
• Focus: Development, political autonomy, and social justice.

4. Congress Party (INC)

• Position: National party with a historical presence in the region.
• Focus: Inclusive governance, economic development, and social welfare.

5. Apni Party

• Position: A newer regional party formed in 2020.
• Focus: Development and political representation for Jammu and Kashmir.

6. Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP)

• Position: Regional party with a focus on issues affecting Jammu.
• Focus: Regional representation and local issues.

7. Independent Candidates

• Position: Various local leaders and candidates running independently.
• Focus: Local issues and independent governance.

8. Alliances

• Gupkar Alliance (People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration – PAGD): A coalition of parties including the NC, PDP, and others advocating for the restoration of special status for Jammu and Kashmir and greater autonomy.

Current Hot Topics:

Zaffar Iqbal Manhas Resigns as Apni Party Vice President

Zaffar Iqbal Manhas, the Vice President of the Apni Party, has resigned from his position. His resignation is a significant development for the party, which was formed to address regional issues and offer an alternative political platform in Jammu and Kashmir.

Key Points:

1. Reason for Resignation: The specific reasons behind Manhas’s resignation have not been fully detailed, but it could be due to internal disagreements, personal reasons, or strategic differences within the party.
2. Impact on Apni Party: Manhas’s resignation might impact the party’s internal dynamics and its strategic positioning in the upcoming elections. It could affect the party’s ability to mobilize support and consolidate its base.
3. Political Implications: Given that the Apni Party is a relatively new player in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape, changes in its leadership could influence its electoral prospects and alliances.
4. Future Steps: The Apni Party will likely need to address this development by either appointing a new Vice President or reorganizing its leadership structure to maintain stability and focus on its electoral strategies.

In the context of the Jammu and Kashmir elections scheduled for 2024, security concerns have been heightened following the announcement of candidates’ names. Here’s an overview of the situation:

Security Alert:

The region has experienced political instability and security challenges in the past, which have often impacted election processes. The current alert reflects ongoing concerns about maintaining a secure environment for the democratic process amidst a backdrop of regional tensions.

Ensuring a secure and peaceful election environment is a top priority for both the authorities and political parties involved.

MANIFESTOS as of now:

The manifestos of political parties for the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections are expected to focus on a variety of key issues pertinent to the region. While the specific details of each party’s manifesto will become clearer as the elections approach, here are some common themes and anticipated priorities based on historical trends and current political discourse:

1. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

• Development and Governance: Emphasis on infrastructure development, economic growth, and improved governance.
• Integration: Reinforcing the integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India.
• Security: Continued focus on security and counter-terrorism measures.
• Economic Initiatives: Promoting investment, job creation, and industrial development.
• Social Welfare: Schemes for health, education, and social welfare.

2. National Conference (NC)

Restoration of Autonomy:

• Article 370: The NC is committed to advocating for the restoration of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir before its abrogation in 2019.
• Autonomy: The party promises to work towards reinstating the region’s autonomy, ensuring greater self-governance and decision-making power.

Statehood:

• Reinstatement of Statehood: One of the primary objectives is to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s status as a full-fledged state, reversing the reorganization that created the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh in 2019.

Economic and Social Development:

• Infrastructure Projects: The NC promises to focus on significant infrastructure development, including roads, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions.
• Employment Opportunities: Creating job opportunities and promoting economic growth through investment and development initiatives.

Social Welfare:

• Healthcare and Education: Enhancing healthcare services and educational infrastructure to improve access and quality for the residents of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Social Justice: Implementing programs aimed at addressing social inequalities and promoting welfare for marginalized communities.

Governance and Accountability:

• Transparency: Improving governance by ensuring transparency and accountability in administrative processes.
• Corruption Control: Measures to tackle corruption and enhance the efficiency of public services.

Preservation of Culture and Identity:

• Cultural Heritage: Promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage and identity of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Cultural Programs: Supporting programs and initiatives that celebrate and protect local traditions and languages.

Political Reconciliation:

• Dialogue: Encouraging dialogue and reconciliation efforts to address political and social grievances in the region.

3. Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

• Political Autonomy: Efforts to regain the special status and political autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir.
• Economic Development: Initiatives for economic growth and infrastructure development.
• Social Justice: Addressing issues related to social justice, gender equality, and minority rights.
• Governance: Improving transparency and accountability in governance.
• Youth Engagement: Programs aimed at engaging and empowering the youth.

4. Indian National Congress Party (INC):

• Inclusive Development: Focus on inclusive development and equitable distribution of resources.
• Restoration of Status: Potential advocacy for restoration of special status and autonomy.
• Social Programs: Enhancing social welfare programs, including healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation.
• Infrastructure: Investment in infrastructure and job creation.
• Human Rights: Emphasis on protecting human rights and civil liberties.

5. Apni Party

• Development Agenda: Emphasis on regional development and economic progress.
• Political Stability: Focus on creating a stable political environment.
• Local Governance: Enhancing local governance and administrative efficiency.
• Social Welfare: Strengthening social welfare schemes and public services.
• Employment: Creating job opportunities and promoting entrepreneurship.

6. Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP)

• Regional Representation: Advocacy for better representation and rights for the people of Jammu.
• Development Initiatives: Focus on regional development and infrastructure.
• Governance: Improving local governance and addressing corruption.
• Social Issues: Addressing social issues specific to Jammu and its diverse population.