In the recent elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the National Conference (NC)-Congress alliance made significant gains, particularly in the Kashmir region, signaling strong opposition to the BJP’s policies, especially the revocation of J&K’s special status in 2019. Despite Congress’s limited success in the Jammu region, where the BJP’s campaign for a “Dogra CM” resonated, the overall verdict reflects a significant pushback against the BJP’s agenda in the Union Territory.
NC patriarch Farooq Abdullah called the results a “people’s rejection of the decisions of August 5, 2019,” referencing the day when Article 370 was revoked. The BJP’s role as a central figure in the election became evident, as smaller parties and independents like Engineer Rashid’s Awami Ittehad Party, Apni Party, and DPAP—seen as being close to the BJP—fared poorly. Allegations that these parties were “Delhi’s fronts” aimed at splitting opposition votes were widespread.
The election results also reinforced Omar Abdullah’s decision to break away from the PDP following the Gupkar Alliance’s post-Article 370 efforts. The PDP, once a strong regional player, now faces an existential crisis after consecutive losses in the Lok Sabha and these elections. The results could also alleviate concerns within the INDIA alliance about potential BJP strategies, such as the appointment of five nominated MLAs, to influence governance in the region.
