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The ongoing political tension in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) reached a new peak with Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, reiterating his demand for the restoration of full statehood for the region. During a public address in Poonch, Gandhi launched a scathing critique of the Narendra Modi-led Union government, accusing it of systematically stripping the people of J&K of their democratic rights. He asserted that the current status of J&K as a Union Territory is unprecedented in Indian history, emphasizing that this move was an infringement upon the rights of the people.
Gandhi's remarks directly challenge the government's actions in 2019, when Article 370, granting special status to J&K, was revoked, and Article 35A, regulating citizenship and land ownership in the region, was scrapped. Consequently, J&K was split into two Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh – placing them under direct central control. Since then, no regional elections have been held, a situation that has been challenged in the Supreme Court, leading to the mandate that local legislative elections in Indian-administered Kashmir must be conducted by September 30, 2024.
The upcoming elections in J&K have become a significant battleground for various political forces. Gandhi's Congress party, in alliance with the National Conference, is actively campaigning to regain political power in the region. Other prominent political players in the fray include the People's Democratic Party (PDP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the People's Conference. With the first phase of voting concluded on September 18, the second and third phases are scheduled for September 25 and October 5, respectively, with vote counting set to take place on October 8, concurrently with the counting of votes in Haryana.
Gandhi's demand for the restoration of full statehood has ignited a debate on the political future of J&K. The BJP, on the other hand, has maintained that the 2019 restructuring was necessary to ensure security and stability in the region. The outcome of the upcoming elections will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the political landscape of J&K, potentially shaping the future trajectory of the region's political autonomy and its relationship with the central government.