Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)’s ongoing assembly elections are coming to a close. Voters in 16 constituencies in the Kashmir valley and 24 constituencies in the Jammu region will cast their votes on October 1 in the third and final phase of the election. The results will be announced on October 8.
These are the first assembly elections in J&K since 2014, when the BJP and PDP formed a coalition government. It is also the first election since J&K’s autonomy was revoked in August 2019, leading to the formation of two union territories.
In Jammu, the Congress and NC alliance is facing off against the BJP. In the Kashmir valley, there are multi-corner contests involving the PDP, Congress-NC alliance, and independent candidates supported by various factions.
Anger towards the BJP is prevalent in the valley following the revocation of Article 370 in 2019. The entry of MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid in the election campaign has added complexity to the situation.
Rashid, who was granted interim bail to campaign, has energized voters in Kashmir. His presence has put pressure on established parties like the NC and PDP, who are now targeting him.
Rumors suggest a possible alliance between Rashid and the BJP post-elections. However, Rashid denies being a BJP proxy and vows to fight against their ideology.
Rashid’s party expects to win several seats in the upcoming elections, with support from banned Jamaat-e-Islami. Despite his past success, experts remain skeptical about Rashid’s prospects in this election.
The assembly elections are predicted to result in a hung house, with Rashid potentially becoming the key player.