The Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) is widely expected to emerge triumphant in May 2024, owing to its role as the emancipator of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the Kashmir region. An objective analysis of the socio-economic and political landscape from 1990 to 2019 reveals widespread affliction and miserability across the region. Even a cursory assessment of the tumultuous events in 2008, 2010, and 2016 highlights the intensity of the turmoil the region’s people endured. It is undeniable that agitation and turbulence were commonplace in Kashmir, which severely impacted the region’s commerce, trade, tourism and education. Despite four national governments in power between 1990 and 2019, none effectively addressed the situation and brought peace to the region. The BJP played a crucial role in suppressing political anarchy in Kashmir, which had been eroding the region for years. Its historical and political significance is highly regarded and praised by sensible and honest Kashmiris. The BJP’s role in appeasing Kashmir and bringing stability to the region is notable. Its success in changing the history’s course in the region is a testament to its political prowess and strategic depth.
The decision to host the G-20 meeting in Kashmir was a momentous event that impacted significantly the region’s political and economic landscape. Since then, peace and progress have taken on new meaning, with tourism and trade experiencing unprecedented growth. The once-deserted Red Square (Lal Chowk) now remains bustling with activity until late at night, a sight that had become uncommon for the locals. The thriving tourist industry and the extended market hours signify a renewed sense of security, previously absent from the region. The nonviolent atmosphere, achieved due to the efforts of the Bhartiya Janta Party, is paving the way for future progress and prosperity. The BJP has been instrumental in enhancing rail connectivity and widening the roads, which has led to the development of new tourist destinations. This progress is a result of a stable political environment that is free of chaos. The BJP’s efforts have significantly contributed to creating a sense of security and stability in Kashmir, leading to unprecedented growth in tourism and trade. The region’s peaceful environment has paved the way for further progress and prosperity, and the government’s continued efforts are commendable.
The results of the elections held in the JKUT in 2019 and onwards reveal such a picture pointing towards the stronger position of the Bhartiya Janta Party. In the 2019 Lok Sabha election, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged victorious in three out of six seats. Though the National Conference (NC) won the remaining three seats, their vote share was only 8%, significantly lower than the BJP’s 46%. Similarly, in the District Development Council (DDC) elections in Kashmir, the BJP won 75 seats. Additionally, in the 2014 Vidhan Saba elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP secured 25 seats with a slightly higher vote share than the leading Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). These numbers suggest that it is not unexpected to view the BJP as the leading contender in the 2024 Lok Saba Elections. Of the five Lok Sabha constituencies in the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory, only the Srinagar Constituency is not expected to be won by the BJP. The remaining three, including Baramulla, are expected to be won by the BJP’s political ally, Sajad Gani Lone of the Peoples Conference (PC). In Baramulla, the PC, the Apni Party (AP), and the BJP in alliance are expected to win the seat against the NC.
It is projected that a new political alliance will emerge in the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory, given the Lok Sabha elections in 2024. This alliance, composed of Sajad Gani Lone’s Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference (JKPC), Altaf Bukhari’s Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP), and Ghulam Nabi Azad’s Democratic Progressive Azad Party (JKPDAP), is expected to strengthen the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Rajouri-Anantnag Lok Sabha Constituency. The presence of both Sajad Gani and Altaf Bukhari in the alliance indicates G.N. Azad’s political alignment with the BJP. It seems unlikely that the National Conference (NC) and the I.N.D.I.A bloc will not gain an advantage over the alliance.
Given the BJP’s successful political efforts in bringing peace to the Kashmir Valley and strengthening economic institutions to promote the region’s economy, the introduction and implementation of flagship schemes such as Ujjwala, PMAY, Ayushman Bharat, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and Mudra, coupled with the proactive political network operating at the grassroots level, it is highly likely that the Bharatiya Janata Party will achieve a higher number of votes in the Lok Sabha elections of 2024 in the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory thus will emerge victorious.
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