High Stakes: Jammu & Kashmir Gears Up for Historic Assembly Elections

Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir prepare for upcoming elections starting September 18. The first polls post-Article 370 abrogation feature key players like National Conference, People's Democratic Party, and BJP. Union Minister Amit Shah's critique highlights BJP's stance while NC maintains a long-term struggle for Article 370 restoration.

Political parties in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are intensifying their preparations for the upcoming elections, scheduled to begin in mid-September. The polling will occur in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with vote counting set for October 8.

The National Conference (NC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) have both included the restoration of Article 370 in their manifestos. Contrarily, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) views Article 370 as a relic of the past. These elections are the first since the abrogation of Article 370, making them historically significant.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah released the BJP manifesto in Jammu on Friday and vehemently criticized the Congress and NC on Saturday, accusing them of promoting terrorism, undermining reservations for Gujjars, Bakarwals, Paharis, and Dalits, and endangering security by suggesting renewed LOC trade with Pakistan.

Shah detailed BJP's 10-point agenda, emphasizing their opposition to the Congress and NC's proposals. He asserted that the abrogation of Article 370 granted rights to women and would not allow these to be rescinded. Shah also highlighted the security risks associated with potential LOC trade and dialogue with Pakistan, declaring that peace was a prerequisite for any discussions.

In contrast, NC Vice-President Omar Abdullah, in an interview with ANI, reiterated that Article 370 and Jammu & Kashmir's special status are core to NC's ideology. He acknowledged that reversing the abrogation would be a long-term struggle requiring more significant political changes at the central government level.

The NC and Congress have formed a pre-poll alliance for the upcoming elections, which will involve 90 assembly constituencies, including reserved seats for SCs and STs. According to the Election Commission of India, there are 88.06 lakh eligible voters in Jammu and Kashmir.

In the previous elections, PDP won 28 seats, BJP 25, NC 15, and Congress 12, setting the stage for a fiercely contested electoral showdown.

(With inputs from agencies.)