Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) elected its first government since New Delhi assumed direct control over the region, with voters backing opposition parties to lead its regional assembly. This marks a significant political shift since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government revoked the region’s partial autonomy in 2019, a decision met with widespread arrests and a lengthy communications blackout.
Prior to these elections, the Muslim-majority territory had been governed by a New Delhi-appointed governor, with no local elections held since 2014. While national elections took place in June, which saw Modi securing a third term, these were the first local elections in nearly a decade.
The election results showed the opposition National Conference (NC) and Congress parties forming a government, securing 48 of the 90 assembly seats, while Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed 29 seats. The results were celebrated by supporters, with some viewing the vote as a rejection of the federal government’s decision to revoke the territory’s special status.
“The people have given their judgement against what New Delhi did,” said social activist Iqbal Ahmad Bhat.
Despite the BJP’s second-place finish, Modi expressed pride in his party’s performance, citing the high voter turnout as a testament to the people’s belief in democracy. However, critics argue that the new assembly will possess limited powers, mainly over education and culture, with New Delhi retaining the ability to override local legislation and appoint the governor.
The election results were met with celebrations, especially among supporters of the NC leader and the expected new chief minister, Omar Abdullah. “We are happy with the election results and hope that the political rights will be restored,” said Jahangir Ahmad, one of the cheering supporters outside Abdullah’s residence.
Abdullah emphasized that the results were a clear rejection of the BJP’s policies. However, the BJP secured victories in the Hindu-majority Jammu region, reflecting the region’s complex and divided political landscape.
The political scenario in IIOJK remains tense, with half a million Indian troops deployed in the region, which has seen a 35-year insurgency resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians, soldiers, and freedom fighters, including dozens this year alone.
The recent elections in IIOJK are a significant political development, but the long-term impact on the region’s autonomy and governance remains to be seen as the new government navigates its limited powers under New Delhi’s oversight.
