The stage is set and the results are rolling in as the people of Jammu and Kashmir eagerly await the outcome of the Assembly elections held on October 1, 2024. After years of political uncertainty, the counting of votes began early Tuesday morning at 8 am, with the National Conference (NC) and Congress alliance aiming to reclaim power after nearly a decade of governance by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Omar Abdullah, the Vice President of the National Conference, is poised to take the reins once again as the Chief Minister, leading the party which has reportedly won 41 seats whilst Congress secured 6. This coalition of 47 seats marks a significant leap past the majority threshold, setting the stage for what could be termed as the return of traditional political powerhouses following the tumultuous years after the abrogation of Article 370.
Speaking at the vote counting center at SKICC, Srinagar, Abdullah looks on with anticipation, aware of the changes this election could bring for the region. "We've been waiting for this moment for 10 long years," he expresses, hopeful for stability and progress under the NC-Congress leadership.
While the outlook appears rosy for the NC-Congress alliance, the BJP is expected to emerge as the second-largest party with its State president, Ravinder Raina, having already tendered his resignation after losing the contest for the Nowshera constituency. "This is not the result we anticipated, but we will regroup and come back stronger," Raina stated after the losses were confirmed.
Counting the state’s votes revealed several surprises along the way. Key constituencies like Langate and Bijbehara displayed unexpected results as the People’s Conference candidate outperformed the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) leader, Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh. Iltija Mufti, daughter of the former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, conceded defeat early on, marking the low season for her party, PDP, dominating the narrative of the local elections.
The elections saw high participation rates from voters, with turnout figures being exceptionally encouraging. Reports indicated around 61% participation strong because citizens were eager to express their views at the ballot box. This was, by far, the highest turnout observed during the past seven elections. The first phase recorded 61%, the second phase saw 57%, and the final phase boasted over 69% turnout, underscoring citizen interest and engagement.
Despite some minor incidents of protest and unrest throughout the election period, the Election Commission reported the voting was conducted peacefully. "The atmosphere during the elections was charged with the hope for change," shared P.K. Pole, Chief Electoral Officer, who commended the citizens for their commitment to democracy.
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, along with other leaders, has expressed concerns over alleged attempts by ruling party officials to manipulate results, claiming the BJP might resort to legal measures if the vote outcomes did not favor them. "The BJP is known for its reluctance to accept the people's verdict. We must stay vigilant against such attempts to hijack democracy," Abdullah warned.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Congress spokesperson stressed, "Just because things didn’t go their way, they shouldn't attempt any backdoor tactics. We are witnessing democracy at work here. Let's honor it."
With independent candidates also making upland gains, some unexpectedly besting traditional party candidates, this election seems to deliver more than just wins and losses. It shines light on the shifting allegiances and the dynamics of Jammu and Kashmir’s political spectrum.
The CPI(M) leader, M.Y. Tarigami, also made news by winning the Kulgam seat for the fifth consecutive time, solidifying his position as one of the key figures representing his constituency. "This win reflects our commitment to serve our people," Tarigami remarked after being declared victorious.
Democracy is experiencing both bruises and breakthroughs on the ground level. Voters' demands ranged from basic services to broader aspirations for regional autonomy and development. "We need leaders who prioritize our needs," expressed Farooq Ahmad, a local shopkeeper from Srinagar.
On social media, reactions poured in as the population buzzed with opinions, and discussions around exit poll predictions were rampant. The exit polls for Jammu and Kashmir's elections had indicated the National Conference was likely to emerge as the largest party, which added to the excitement and anticipation among the party's supporters.
The voter sentiments have echoed for changes and the opportunity to rebuild and redirect the course following years under the BJP's leadership. A palpable sense of hope is building as local parties get the chance to take charge again. The National Conference and Congress alliance might just symbolize rekindled aspirations and refocused developments for the future of Jammu and Kashmir.
The coming weeks will reveal the road map for progress as Omar Abdullah eyes the Chief Minister's chair, underlining the importance of cooperation between the coalition partners to navigate significant challenges facing the region.
