Bhat Yasir/ Meer Irfan
Ahsan Kak, 68, has just finished harvesting apples for the day. As the evening sun casts its last glow over his orchard, he sits down with his son, Arshid, 37, for a cup of nun chai. The warmth of the tea contrasts with the chill of anticipation in the air. “What is the news? Have they nominated the members yet?” he asks, his voice a mix of curiosity and anxiety as he refers to the selection of five MLAs by LG Manoj Sinha for the Jammu Kashmir assembly polls.
The uncertainty surrounding the nominations reflects the region’s heightened anticipation for the election results, scheduled to be declared on October 8, 2024.
Jammu Kashmir, a region under direct central rule since 2018, has not seen such political fervor for over a decade. Elections, once a routine part of life, had become a distant memory for the people here.
The dissolution of the last government by then-Governor Satyapal Malik left a gap that had grown into a void.
The years that followed saw the region in a state of political uncertainty, with promises of self-governance feeling increasingly out of reach. Now, after ten long years, the return of elections has breathed life back into the streets, homes, and fields of Kashmir.
From roadside shops to tea stalls, gardens to orchards, and even inside public vehicles, discussions about politics are everywhere. Election fever has gripped the region, and people of all ages and backgrounds eagerly await the results.
The recent elections saw an impressive voter turnout of over 60% across three phases, with a notable surge in participation from first-time voters and the youth. For many, the act of voting has become a powerful statement—a reclaiming of their voice and a step toward shaping the future of their homeland.
Fayaz, a 24-year-old first-time voter, expressed the sentiment of many young people. “This is the first time I’ve voted. It’s not just about politics; it’s about reclaiming our right to decide who represents us. The voter turnout showed that we’re still invested in the future of this place. We are waiting for the results like it’s Eid morning—we don’t know what’s in store, but we can’t wait to find out.”
The excitement in his voice highlights the enthusiasm and hope felt by the youth, who have become a significant force in the region’s political landscape.
Yet, amid the excitement, there are also anxieties and uncertainties. The nomination of five MLAs by the Lieutenant Governor has raised concerns among voters and political analysts alike.
While most exit polls predict that the National Conference (NC) and Congress may form a coalition government with the help of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the nomination of these MLAs adds a new dimension to the political equation.
Gulzar Ahmad, a 55-year-old farmer, voiced the unease felt by many: “These elections, after such a long wait, have given us a sense of hope. But there is also a worry—if they don’t choose the right people, our issues will continue to pile up.”
As the results day approaches, the sense of anticipation is palpable. In the Chenab Valley, which saw a significant turnout, a voter expressed the prevailing sentiment.
“It’s been years since we last felt the excitement of casting a vote. The turnout in our area was high because we want representation that listens to us. There’s been talk about BJP dominating here, but we’ve had enough of broken promises. We hope the results reflect the real voice of the people.”
This hope for change is echoed across the region, from the mountains of Gurez to the plains of Jammu.
Political analysts believe that while the NC is poised to emerge as the largest political party, the BJP is likely to secure most of the seats from the Jammu region. The anti-incumbency wave was strong in Jammu, but despite widespread discontent, the regional parties struggled to harness it to their advantage.
The possibility of a coalition between NC, Congress, and PDP has raised hopes for many, but the question remains whether the nominated MLAs will play a decisive role in forming or disrupting alliances.
“The selection of the five MLAs by the LG has added a layer of uncertainty,” noted Javed Ahmed, a political commentator. “Even if NC and Congress secure the majority, the influence of these nominated members could affect how coalition politics unfolds. It’s a waiting game now, and everyone is watching closely.”
At tea stalls and in busy markets, conversations center on these speculations. In the city of Srinagar, Mohammed Subhan, a shopkeeper reflected on the growing enthusiasm: “It’s been a decade since we last had this much excitement during elections. Every time someone comes to my shop, the conversation inevitably shifts to politics. This time, there’s hope and anxiety in equal measure—people are eager to see what happens next.”
The energy is undeniable, and it transcends age and occupation, showing how deeply the political process is interwoven with the lives of the people.
However, the anticipation is not without a sense of wariness. The region’s history of political upheavals has left scars that still influence how people perceive elections.
For an elderly man enjoying his evening tea in Shopian, the stakes feel particularly high: “People say NC and Congress might team up with PDP, but these things change like the weather. What worries me is the five MLAs being nominated—will it shift the balance? All we can do is wait and see.” His words reflect a cautious optimism, one that tempers hope with the memory of past disappointments.
Women in rural areas, who have been traditionally sidelined from political discourse, are now participating in record numbers.
A group of women waiting outside a bus stand in Shopian shared their excitement: “The last time we saw elections like this, our children were too young to understand. Now, they’re the ones guiding us on who to vote for. It’s a different energy this time—people are more informed and determined.”
Their determination is indicative of a broader shift in Kashmir, where people, despite past political uncertainties, are reclaiming their role in the democratic process.
With just hours left until the results are announced, the region stands at a crossroads. Will the elections bring the change people have long hoped for, or will the complexities of coalition politics and nominated members create further challenges?
As Ahsan Kak finishes his nun chai and heads inside, the conversation continues. His orchard, like much of Kashmir, remains a place of both labor and political discourse—where the personal and the political intertwine.
The anticipation is high, and the hopes are many. But as the people of Jammu and Kashmir have learned over the years, the future is anything but certain.
Yet, the eagerness to engage, to vote, and to shape the future suggests that no matter the outcome, the spirit of the people remains unbroken.
“As we wait for the results, it’s not just about who wins or loses—it’s about reclaiming our right to be heard. No matter what happens next, we’ve shown that our voices still matter, and our hope for a better future remains strong,” says Javed Ahmed.