Jammu and Kashmir is soon to witness a historic turn of events, with the onset of its first State Election post the abrogation of Article 370, starting from September 18, 2024. The upcoming elections represent a significant step towards restoring a democracy, while also offering a look into how the masses are adjusting to the drastic changes.

What is Article 370?

Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which came into effect in October 1949, granted a special status to the State of Jammu and Kashmir, under which it held the power of administrating its internal matters, allowing it to make its own laws in all areas except defence, finance, foreign affairs and communications. This also meant that the laws passed by the Parliament did not automatically apply to the erstwhile State of J&K, and it was the right of the State Legislature to approve them by passing a parallel Act.

The Abrogation

The abrogation of the above-stated Article 370  took place on August 5, 2019, and led to the parting of Jammu and Kashmir into 2 Union territories: Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh. The 2019 Presidential order stated that the separate constitution for Jammu and Kashmir stood abrogated, and a single constitution now applied to all the Indian states. This decision was taken with the intent to integrate the region more fully into the Indian Union, as much as other parts of India, hence improving the region’s conditions, in terms of its infrastructure and general development.

With this move, the Government aims to benefit the residents of the region, through empowerment and removal of unjust laws that didn’t let the locals to prosper on their own land.

While the intention of the Government is in the best interests, it has gained a lot of resentment among the Kashmiris who feel that their special status has been snatched away from them. Infact, some would be participating in the elections only so a Kashmiri, who is much well versed with the local issues, becomes the representative.

The Elections in Action

Preparations for the said elections are in full swing with the Election Commission of India working tirelessly for the same. A lot of security arrangements have also been made to ensure that the voters can exercise their right to vote, freely and fearlessly, for elections that will take place in 3 phases, on September 18, September 25 and October 1, for 24, 26 and 40 seats, respectively. The enthusiasm amongst the eligible voters can also be smelt through the dramatic 65.5% turnout of voters in 35 years in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The residents are aware that their actions today will determine their future and so, there are a lot of small, independent and regional parties contesting, giving a tough competition to the big parties. Even the separatists, including organisations like Jamaat-e-Islami, who boycotted the polls for four decades, would be participating in the election, as they believe having a local representative is crucial to have the voices heard, problems understood, and needs fulfilled.

What might change?

Clearly, the upcoming elections will decide the fate of the region that has been through a lot of turmoil in the past. The voters turning up would have a lot of expectations from the representatives in terms of key areas like infrastructure development, job opportunities, and overall economic growth. The entire scenario will shape the future of the region, and reshape its political landscape. Whoever wins, hopefully will work towards the betterment of this northern part of India that has recently seen an increase in tourism, lately. This marks one step towards a development that has been long due.

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