People’s verdict today
Srinagar, Oct 7: In a watershed moment for Jammu and Kashmir’s democratic process, counting begins on Tuesday for the J&K’s first assembly elections since its reorganisation in 2019.
The electoral exercise, which will determine the fate of 873 candidates across 90 assembly constituencies, marks a crucial step toward establishing the Union Territory’s first elected government in five years.
Amid heightened security and political tension, authorities have established a robust three-tier security system at 20 counting centres across J&K.
The election, conducted in three phases between September 18 and October 1, recorded an overall voter turnout of 62.78 percent, with participation ranging from 57.31 percent to 69.65 percent across different phases.
Understanding the sensitive nature of the region, authorities have implemented an unprecedented three-tier security framework across all 20 counting centres.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Pandurang Kondbarao Pole has personally overseen the preparations, conducting detailed inspections of counting facilities, including a recent visit to the Government Degree College Ganderbal counting centre.
The administration has emphasised maintaining absolute transparency in the counting process, with strict protocols governing access to counting halls.
Only authorised counting agents and designated staff will be permitted inside these secure zones.
The electoral battleground presents a complex political tapestry, with the 90-member assembly split between 47 seats in the Kashmir and 43 in the Jammu division.
The contest has witnessed the emergence of both traditional alliances and new political equations.
The National Conference (NC)-Congress coalition, building on historical ties, has mounted a strong campaign across J&K.
In contrast, the BJP has pursued a dual strategy, contesting independently in Jammu while supporting select candidates in Kashmir.
The fate of many political heavyweights would be decided on Tuesday.
Former chief minister Omar Abdullah had taken a bold step by contesting from both the Budgam and Ganderbal assembly segments.
Abdul Rahim Rather, Ali Muhammad Sagar, Mubarak Gul, and Nasir Aslam Wani are other prominent leaders of NC whose fate would be known on Tuesday.
People’s Conference President Sajad Gani Lone, competing from Handwara and Kupwara, Imran Raza Ansari contesting from Pattan, and Altaf Bukhari from Channapora represent the emerging political forces in Kashmir.
Other significant contestants include J&K Congress chief Tariq Karra from Central Shalteng, All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir from Dooru, Apni Party’s Ghulam Hassan Mir from Gulmarg, BJP’s Ravinder Raina from Nowshera and Devender Rana from Nagrota, PDP’s Mehboob Beg from Anantnag, Waheed Para from Pulwama, and Iltija Mufti carrying forward the political legacy of the Muftis from Srigufwara–Bijbehara.
The political atmosphere has already begun heating up, with various parties positioning themselves for potential post-result scenarios.
NC President Farooq Abdullah’s recent statements have added an interesting dimension to the political discourse.
While distancing himself from chief ministerial aspirations, he has signalled potential flexibility in alliance formation, including the possibility of accepting PDP’s support.
However, he has raised serious concerns about the Lieutenant Governor’s powers regarding nominations to the five reserved assembly seats, threatening legal recourse if necessary.
BJP’s leadership in J&K, led by Ravinder Raina, has projected confidence in securing 35 seats, potentially emerging as the single largest party.
The party’s strategy includes reaching out to independents and like-minded candidates for government formation.
Meanwhile, the PDP, which dominated the 2014 elections with 28 seats, faces predictions of a significantly reduced presence in the new assembly.
The election results carry profound implications for governance structure.
Since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Jammu and Kashmir has operated under direct central administration.
The formation of an elected government would mark a significant shift in the administrative paradigm, potentially influencing everything from local governance to regional development initiatives.
Local political observers note that the election outcome could significantly impact the region’s socio-political fabric.
The NC-Congress alliance has emphasised restoration of statehood as a key priority, while the BJP has focused its campaign on development and integration with national mainstream politics.
As the counting process commences under the watchful eyes of election officials and security personnel, the results are expected to not only determine the immediate political leadership but also shape the trajectory of Jammu and Kashmir’s democratic journey in the coming years.
The outcome will be crucial in addressing various challenges facing the region, from development needs to political aspirations, while maintaining peace and stability in J&K.
The results, expected by Tuesday evening, will write a new chapter in J&K’s political narrative, potentially setting the stage for a fresh phase of democratic governance in the region.
