On a vibrant September afternoon, a convoy of decorated vehicles arrived in a village in Kashmir for a highly anticipated election rally.
Iltija Mufti, a prominent politician from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), emerged from the sunroof of one car, rallying the crowd.
“Yeli ye Mufti (When Mufti will be in power),” she declared to enthusiastic supporters.
“Teli Tch’le Sakhti (Then the repression will end),” they echoed back, united in their sentiments.
Meanwhile, army personnel, equipped with automatic rifles and clad in bulletproof gear, monitored the scene, underscoring the security concerns in the area.
This election marks a significant political milestone, as for the first time in a decade, elections are being conducted in 47 assembly seats across Kashmir, a region long affected by violence and tension. Kashmir, claimed by both India and Pakistan, has been the center of three wars between the two nations, and an armed insurgency since the 1990s has tragically claimed countless lives.
In addition to the Kashmir seats, elections will extend to 43 seats in the nearby Hindu-majority Jammu region.
This election is notably the first since 2019, when the government revoked the region’s autonomy, restructured it into two federally-administered territories, and replaced its statehood with direct rule. Now governed by a federal administrator, the shift has sparked a renewed electoral interest.
Thirteen main parties are competing for control of the 90-seat assembly, with the major players being the PDP, led by Mehbooba Mufti, and the National Conference (NC), headed by former chief minister Omar Abdullah.
The National Conference has formed an alliance with India’s main opposition party, Congress, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is also contesting, though their influence in the valley remains uncertain.
In the backdrop, Engineer Rashid, a controversial figure recently released from jail, adds to the electoral mix as he seeks to leverage his earlier victories and mobilize support.
Historically, elections in Kashmir have been fraught with controversy, often boycotted by residents and separatist leaders who perceive them as an attempt by the central government to legitimize its control.
Since 1947, Kashmir has seen 12 elections, usually marred by low voter turnout and violence, including militant attacks on polling stations. The situation has led to many political workers being targeted for expressing dissent.
This time, however, even separatist leaders are contesting in various seats, including the outlawed Jamaat-e-Islami (JEI) party, which has allied with Rashid’s Awami Ittehad Party (AIP).
The forthcoming elections will enable residents to elect a local assembly, led by a chief minister and council of ministers, despite its limited powers under central oversight. This initiative has ignited hope for political rejuvenation in the valley.
Most opposition parties are advocating for the restoration of statehood and the region’s previous special status, while the BJP has remained firm on not reinstating autonomy, but has indicated plans to restore statehood post-elections.
Many residents appear to have come to terms with the loss of autonomy. “I don’t believe Article 370 will be reinstated unless a miracle occurs,” remarked a local research scholar, emphasizing that parties seem to be making promises merely to attract voters.
Concerns about political instability, corruption, and unemployment take precedence for many voters, who indicate their priorities lie in resolving immediate socioeconomic challenges rather than the Kashmir dispute itself.
However, some residents are cautious of participating without sending a solid message against the BJP’s policies. “We want to communicate to the government that the revocation is unacceptable,” stated a local citizen.
The abrogation of Article 370 implicated severe cracks in the region’s governance, leading to security lockdowns and stripping residents of rights and opportunities.
In this milieu, the government has proclaimed a vision of peace and development, introducing multiple projects aimed at economic integration, yet residents lament that tangible benefits remain elusive amid ongoing violence and high unemployment rates.
The continued deployment of thousands of troops raises concerns about human rights violations and presents questions about true democratic freedoms in the region.
Experts highlight that these elections may serve as a medium for residents to voice their opinions on the sweeping changes imposed upon them.
Visible shifts in the public sentiment are apparent everywhere. Streets are vibrant with election posters and flags, as local discussions about potential outcomes resonate among residents.
“Traditional political narratives have transformed entirely,” noted a researcher, emphasizing that public attitudes signal the desire for accountability.
This was evident in the recent parliamentary elections, which observed a record-breaking voter turnout of 58.46%.
Many locals are placing their hopes on regional parties, which they believe could effectively represent their voices amidst a complex political landscape.
Political analysts suggest the BJP may face challenges in Jammu due to internal dissent and rising public dissatisfaction with their governance.
While the BJP’s development narrative has historically gained traction in Jammu, residents are increasingly skeptical of promises unfulfilled since the revocation of Article 370.
Critics argue that local job and land rights have been jeopardized, as outsiders gain access post-reform.
The BJP’s representatives counter these claims, citing extensive infrastructural developments and investments as evidence of progress.
