In a historic turn of events during the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir elections, the National Conference (NC) and the Congress party have successfully formed a government, marking the first elections in the region in a decade.
This alliance has secured a total of 49 out of the 90 elected legislative seats, defying predictions of a hung assembly and demonstrating a clear rejection of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Kashmir Valley.
The NC emerged as the dominant partner, winning 42 seats, while the Congress claimed a mere six.
The BJP, which has never held power in Jammu Kashmir independently, faced a significant setback, failing to win a single seat in the Kashmir region, although it managed to secure 29 seats in the Jammu region—an increase from 2014 but below its expectations.
Despite the BJP’s efforts and strategies, including targeting specific voter demographics, its presence in Kashmir has been completely diminished in this election cycle. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which had previously formed a coalition with the BJP, suffered a dramatic decline, winning only three seats—25 fewer than in the last election.
Omar Abdullah, the NC leader, is set to assume the role of Chief Minister, as his party dominated the elections, particularly in the Kashmir Valley where it won all but five of the available seats.
The significant voter turnout and the clear mandate against the BJP highlight a shift in political sentiments among the electorate in Jammu Kashmir.
With this election, the NC-Congress alliance aims to address the pressing concerns of the local populace while attempting to rebuild trust in governance after years of turmoil and political uncertainty.
The results signal a decisive rejection of the BJP’s agenda in the region and a demand for a return to local leadership.
The aftermath of this election also raises questions about the BJP’s future strategy in Jammu Kashmir, particularly given its lack of representation in the Kashmir Valley.
The results not only reshape the political landscape of the region but also challenge the BJP to reassess its approach to local issues and voter engagement moving forward.