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The upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir promise a dramatic departure from the past, marking a significant shift in the political landscape. The abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to the region, has ushered in a new era of political activity. With a secure environment and anticipated record voter participation, regional parties are scrambling to adapt their strategies to navigate this uncharted territory.
Historically, elections in the Kashmir Valley were plagued by violence, terror threats, and separatist boycott calls. The democratic process was severely undermined, with political workers frequently targeted and terror threat posters commonplace. This environment fostered an atmosphere of fear, leading to low voter turnout in many areas. The focus for political parties was not on winning a significant vote swing but rather on managing the low turnout.
However, the post-Article 370 landscape has dramatically altered the political dynamics. The removal of the special status has led to a surge in confidence among voters. The crackdown on separatists, terror outfits, and anti-national elements has created a more secure and fear-free environment for voters. The redrawing of Assembly boundaries through a delimitation exercise has also reshaped the electoral map. This newfound sense of security and stability has fueled a surge in voter enthusiasm, making this election a high-stakes game for all parties.
The shift in the political climate has prompted prominent leaders to adopt new strategies. Farooq Abdullah's National Conference (NC) and Mehbooba Mufti's People’s Democratic Party (PDP) are resorting to desperate measures to capitalize on the anticipated high voter turnout. Leaders like Omar Abdullah and Sajjad Lone are contesting from multiple constituencies, a move seen as a strategic safety ploy but also as a sign of weakness by their opponents. The uncertainty gripping the political rank and file reflects the challenges of navigating this new electoral landscape.
One of the most significant developments is the entry of separatist outfits into the mainstream political arena. After decades of boycotting elections, organizations like the Jamaat-e-Islami, once considered the ideological fountainhead of the terror outfit Hizb-ul Mujahideen, are now fielding candidates. Similarly, former separatist leaders like Saleem Geelani and Sarjan Barkati have chosen to participate in the elections. This shift in strategy signifies a willingness to engage in the democratic process and potentially influence the political landscape from within.
The Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled to be held in three phases from September 18 to October 1, with results to be declared on October 8. The outcome of these elections will be a pivotal moment in the region's political history. The changing dynamics, the surge in voter participation, and the entry of separatists into the mainstream present a unique set of challenges and opportunities for political parties. As the campaign unfolds, the focus will be on how these parties adapt their strategies to navigate this new political reality and appeal to the electorate in this crucial election.
Source: Kashmir political giants look at new poll strategies after Article 370 scrapping