- Major Poll Attractions In J&K: Modi, Kharge, Abdullahs, Muftis’
- Modi’s Mission For Resilient J&K, Kharge’s Call For Statehood, New Twist To Struggle Of Abdullahs’, Mufti’s
“PM Modi framed the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir as a contest between the youth of the region and what he described as the “three families” representing the Congress, National Conference (NC), and People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He criticized these political families, suggesting that their actions over the years have been detrimental to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
As the election date approaches, the stakes are high, with each party vying to sway voters with their distinct promises and critiques of the opposition. The upcoming polls not only represent a crucial moment for Jammu and Kashmir but also a significant test of national political strategies and promises.
PM Modi’s Doda Visit: During his recent visit to Doda, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the achievements of the BJP government in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the realm of education and healthcare. He emphasized that the BJP administration has inaugurated numerous schools and colleges across the Union Territory to enhance opportunities for the youth. Notably, the long-standing demand for a medical college in Doda has also been addressed under the BJP’s governance. In his address, PM Modi framed the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir as a contest between the youth of the region and what he described as the “three families” representing the Congress, National Conference (NC), and People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He criticized these political families, suggesting that their actions over the years have been detrimental to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. According to Modi, their dominance has stifled the potential of the youth. PM Modi underscored his commitment to empowering the younger generation, stating that since taking office in 2014, his focus has been on fostering new leadership in Jammu and Kashmir. He vowed to continue working diligently for the betterment of the region, promising that his efforts will be driven by the love and blessings he receives from the people. PM Modi assured the people of Doda and Jammu and Kashmir that his government is dedicated to building a safe, prosperous, and inclusive future for the region, reflecting his personal guarantee to repay their trust and support. This visit is particularly notable as it marks the first time in nearly 50 years that a Prime Minister will visit Doda. The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections are set to be held in three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1, with the counting of votes scheduled for October 8. Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who reviewed the preparations for the rally on September 14, emphasized the importance of Modi’s visit. Singh highlighted that Doda has seen considerable development in the past decade, a period during which no Prime Minister had visited the area.
Political Drama Unfolds: In the run-up to the elections, political tensions have been high, with various leaders engaging in public exchanges.
Congress President Kharge’s Promises: On Wednesday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge announced that if elected, the Congress party would revive and implement former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s rehabilitation programme for Kashmiri Pandits. Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Kharge criticized the BJP for failing to rehabilitate Kashmiri Pandits over the past decade and pledged to address this longstanding issue. Kharge stressed the significance of the upcoming elections, describing them as crucial for ensuring that a representative is in place who can address the problems faced by the state. He highlighted his extensive political experience, stating that he has never seen a state being made a Union Territory in his 60 years of political life. Kharge also criticized BJP’s job promises, questioning why the 1 lakh government posts vacant in Jammu and Kashmir have not been filled. He pointed out that there are 30-35 lakh government posts vacant across the country and accused the BJP of failing to address unemployment, inflation, and corruption effectively. Additionally, Kharge unveiled Congress’s guarantees for the Jammu and Kashmir elections, including a monthly payment of ₹3,000 to female heads of households, recruitment for 1 lakh vacant posts, and the restoration of the old ration scheme providing 11 kg of rice per family member. The Congress leader also promised health insurance of ₹25 lakh and interest-free loans of ₹5 lakh to women involved in self-help groups. Kharge further criticized the BJP, alleging that many bills were passed without discussion in the past, and noted that the Waqf Board bill had to be sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee because the Modi government was in a minority. He also accused the BJP of focusing on international publicity while neglecting domestic issues, such as the ongoing crisis in Manipur, where he claimed the government has been indifferent to violence and suffering.
Er Rashid’s Release: Member Parliament Engineer Rashid walked out of Tihar Jail on Wednesday on interim bail until October 2 to campaign in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls. Speaking to reporters outside the jail, Rashid vowed to challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Naya Kashmir’ narrative and criticized National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti for “destroying” Kashmir. Rashid reiterated his commitment to fighting for the people of the region and continuing his campaign against the broader political establishment. National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah responded to a challenge from Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) chief Engineer Rashid. Rashid had proposed that if Abdullah accompanied him to Tihar Jail, he would withdraw his nominations from Ganderbal and Beerwah. Abdullah agreed to the challenge but with a twist—he stated he would accompany Rashid to the jail only on the day Rashid needs to return, should he decide to withdraw from the election. This exchange highlights the intense political maneuvering taking place as candidates seek to gain an edge. Abdullah, who was campaigning in Chowgam village of the Devsar constituency, criticized Rashid’s proposition as a distraction from more pressing issues. He reiterated his commitment to addressing core issues such as Article 370 and emphasized the NC’s stance on resolving these matters through active political engagement.
Criticisms, Allegations: In a related development, Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari criticized traditional parties like the NC and PDP for branding their opponents as “proxies” of the Centre. Bukhari argued that such accusations are a diversion from the fact that these parties have historically aligned closely with central authorities. He pointed out that the NC’s leadership has long been seen as aligned with New Delhi’s interests and suggested that even the PDP was perceived to have connections with then Minister of Home Affairs L.K. Advani. Bukhari also reiterated his party’s commitment to addressing the needs of detainees and youth facing legal charges, promising reforms if elected.
“Establishing accountability frameworks to track and evaluate the implementation of campaign promises and policies can ensure that commitments are fulfilled. Encouraging public participation through regular forums and feedback channels will allow voters to voice their concerns and hold elected officials accountable, fostering a culture of active engagement and responsible governance.”
Er Rashid’s Focus On Article 370: Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) Chairman Engineer Rashid has continued to focus on the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, framing his campaign around this central issue. During a rally in Anantnag, Rashid reiterated that his fight is not against specific parties but centered on the broader goal of reinstating Article 370 and Article 35A. He criticized NC Vice President Omar Abdullah and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti for their perceived hypocrisy and accused them of failing to address the core issues of the Kashmir conflict.
BJP’s Critique Of Opponents: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary Tarun Chugh launched a fierce attack on several political figures, including the Abdullahs of the NC, Mehbooba Mufti of the PDP, the Gandhi-Nehru family of the Congress, and Engineer Rashid of the AIP. Chugh accused these leaders of conspiring against the development, peace, and progress of Jammu and Kashmir. He claimed that these figures were colluding with separatist forces and fostering terrorism in the region. Chugh called out NC Chief Farooq Abdullah for allegedly vacationing in England while J&K faced turmoil, asserting that such leaders are working to create divisions and spread violence in the region.
DPAP’s Push For Development: Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) Chairman and former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has also been active on the campaign trail, emphasizing the need for genuine development and progress in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at a rally in Anantnag, Azad urged voters to embrace a new era of politics focused on real achievements rather than false promises. He expressed gratitude for the support he received during his recent illness and pledged to stand with his candidates to advance the interests of the people.
PDP’s Defense,Future Promises: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti defended her party’s track record in addressing regional challenges, particularly in South Kashmir. She claimed that the PDP has played a crucial role in alleviating difficulties faced by the region, including issues related to the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) and task forces. Mufti criticized other political parties for their lack of impact and defended PDP’s achievements, such as establishing medical colleges and universities. In her briefing, Mufti emphasized that the PDP’s past work and future promises are vital for improving the region’s conditions. She also took a critical stance against BJP’s job promises, questioning their feasibility and accusing the party of dishonesty in its claims.
Kashmir Horizon View: As Jammu and Kashmir approaches its assembly elections, the political landscape is marked by intense competition and a flurry of activity from various parties and leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Doda signifies a major political event, highlighting the importance of this election. With ongoing debates, strategic maneuvers, and public rallies, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future direction of the Union Territory. Voters will have the opportunity to influence not only the local political landscape but also the broader trajectory of Jammu and Kashmir’s development and governance. To enhance voter engagement and clarity, it is crucial to focus on comprehensive communication strategies. Each political party should clearly articulate their policies and promises, ensuring they address local needs and concerns. Organizing public forums, such as town hall meetings and online webinars, can allow voters to ask questions and get direct responses from candidates. Additionally, leveraging social media platforms for targeted campaigns—through live Q&A sessions, informational posts, and interactive content—can significantly boost engagement and awareness. Given the significance of the upcoming elections, ensuring that voters are well-informed about their options and the implications of their choices is essential. This can be achieved by implementing voter education programs in collaboration with local organizations to provide information on the electoral process, candidates’ platforms, and the importance of each vote. Encouraging debates and discussions that focus on substantive issues rather than personal attacks can help voters make informed decisions based on policy and vision. Facilitating public debates among candidates to discuss key issues and present their plans for Jammu and Kashmir’s future is a critical step. Additionally, promoting civil discourse through media and political leaders can foster a culture of respect and constructive dialogue, moving away from inflammatory rhetoric and focusing on the issues at hand. Campaign promises and policies should be tailored to address the specific needs of different regions within Jammu and Kashmir. Engaging with local communities to understand their unique challenges and incorporating their feedback into campaign platforms can ensure that the issues most important to them are addressed. Developing targeted programs for remote and underserved areas, focusing on areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education, will help in meeting the unique needs of these regions. Maintaining oversight to ensure the electoral process remains fair and transparent is vital. Implementing independent monitoring mechanisms can help oversee campaign activities and ensure compliance with electoral laws and regulations. Addressing any reports of election-related misconduct or violations promptly is necessary to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and maintain public trust. After the elections, holding elected officials accountable for their promises and actions is crucial for effective governance. Establishing accountability frameworks to track and evaluate the implementation of campaign promises and policies can ensure that commitments are fulfilled. Encouraging public participation through regular forums and feedback channels will allow voters to voice their concerns and hold elected officials accountable, fostering a culture of active engagement and responsible governance.
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