Gurez Valley, nestled along the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, is heating up—not just in temperature, but politically. As the Jammu Kashmir Assembly elections enter their final phase on October 1, Gurez finds itself at the center of a high-stakes political battle.
For the first time in a decade, voters in Gurez will head to the polls, and the stakes are higher than ever. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has historically struggled to gain a foothold in the Kashmir Valley, is eyeing this strategic seat with aspirations of securing its first-ever victory in the region.
The BJP National Executive Member, Dr. Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, stated that Gurez is poised to make history in the upcoming assembly polls. Dr. Andrabi emphasized that a BJP victory in this border constituency would send a strong message to the “dynastic parties” that have used politics as a tool of coercion and corruption. “Gurez is all set to write history this time. Dynastic politics has been rejected here,” she said.
The BJP has pulled out all the stops to woo the voters of Gurez. Their campaign has been bolstered by high-profile visits, including that of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in the final days leading up to the election. Faqeer Muhammad Khan, the BJP’s candidate and a seasoned political figure in Gurez, has focused his campaign on promises of development and connectivity.
“Rajnath Singh’s visit gave the BJP campaign a massive boost,” says Dr. Asif Malik, a political expert and resident of Bandipora. “The party has poured significant resources into Gurez this time, and there’s a strong sense that the BJP could secure its first seat in the valley if everything aligns in their favor.”
A local Mohammed Rafiq Khan speaking to The Kashmiriyat said, “The most talked-about project is the long-awaited Bandipora-Gurez road tunnel, which, if built, would transform the valley’s isolation by providing year-round access to the rest of Kashmir. The tunnel has been a dream for Gurez residents for decades, and Faqeer Khan’s promise to deliver it could be a game-changer.”
Khan is no stranger to the political landscape of Gurez. Having contested multiple elections, he is seen as a veteran figure in the valley’s political circles. His close contest with National Conference (NC) heavyweight Nazir Ahmad Khan (Gurezi) in the past makes this election all the more riveting. In the 2014 polls, Khan lost to Gurezi by a razor-thin margin of just 141 votes, underscoring how closely contested the seat has been.
However, this election isn’t just about the BJP’s advances. The National Conference, which has traditionally held a strong grip on Gurez, is not backing down.
Nazir Ahmad Khan, the NC candidate, is a three-time MLA and a former deputy speaker of the Jammu Kashmir Assembly. Dr. Asif said that Khan has deep roots in the valley, and his connection to the people has been a cornerstone of his campaign. “The NC has mobilized its local machinery to reach out to every voter, focusing on its legacy of delivering on key local issues like water, electricity, and basic infrastructure and of course the preservation of Gurez’s incredible nature and environment,” he told The Kashmiriyat.
“National Conference has always been active in Gurez, even in the most challenging times. This election is no different,” explains Dr. Malik. “They have been running an aggressive ground campaign, reminding voters of the party’s track record and what it has done for the region over the years.”
Gurezi has spent years building relationships with the people of Gurez, particularly focusing on the valley’s need for consistent infrastructure improvements, especially in healthcare and education. His campaign has leaned heavily on these achievements, positioning himself as the candidate who understands Gurez’s unique needs.
But the political landscape in Gurez has evolved. The BJP has used this moment to reframe the narrative in Gurez. By highlighting the infrastructural, tourism and economic development that could come with the abrogation, they have appealed to younger voters who are looking beyond the traditional rhetoric of security and basic amenities.
“There is a tangible shift in voter sentiment, especially among the youth. They are looking for economic opportunities, job creation, and improved connectivity,” says Dr. Malik. “The BJP’s promise of the Bandipora-Gurez road tunnel has become a symbol of hope for this new generation.”
However, the election is far from a simple BJP-NC contest. Nisar Ahmad Lone, representing the Democratic Progressive Azad Party, has emerged as a potential spoiler in the race. Backed by former chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, Lone’s presence on the ballot has introduced a new dynamic into an already heated contest. While his chances of winning are slim, his influence on the vote share of both the BJP and the NC cannot be ignored.
As the valley gears up for polling day, the electorate in Gurez faces a significant choice. On one hand, they have the familiar leadership of Nazir Gurezi, who has a long-standing relationship with the people. On the other, Faqeer Khan and the BJP are offering a break from the past, with promises of development projects like the much-anticipated tunnel, which could redefine Gurez’s future.
With a voter base of 22,291 and 31 polling stations spread across the constituency, the outcome could hinge on the narrowest of margins, just as it did in 2014. “Every vote counts in Gurez,” says Dr. Malik. “A difference of even 50 votes could decide the winner, and in this election, nothing is certain.”