In a massive stride for India’s electoral polity, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed its highest poll participation in the last 35 years. The voter turnout for the entire Union Territory (5 Lok Sabha seats) was 58.46 per cent in the Lok Sabha elections 2024. This significant participation is a testament to the robust democratic spirit and civic engagement of the people in the region. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir comprises five parliamentary constituencies namely Srinagar, Baramulla, Anantnag Rajouri, Udhampur and Jammu. Every nook and corner of the Union Territory witnessed a rejuvenation of democracy and victory of ballot with thumping participation in polling, resulting in a record voters’ turnout.
Regional political parties of Kashmir have pitched this election as a referendum on the decision by the Indian government. The voter turnout from the three parliamentary constituencies in the Kashmir Valley echoes the faith of the people in the democratic process. The historic participation was realised by earnest efforts of the election and security officials who had worked tirelessly to empower the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the youth to participate in the elections. More young people have asserted their faith and embraced democracy in a big way. Another interesting perspective is the electors in the age group of 18-59 years which forms the major part of electors in the Union Territory.
The high poll percentage in the Lok Sabha election 2024 is reflective of the Kashmiris’ faith in democracy, which is a positive and heartening development. This achievement sits on a credible weave of 25 per cent increase in number of contesting candidates since 2019 reflecting the steady retaking of the election and campaign space away from hesitation and to fuller participation. This active participation is a huge positive for Assembly elections to be held soon in the Union Territory. National Conference and PDP which are still the forces to reckon with in Kashmir politics have pitched for the restoration of identity and dignity of the people lost with the abrogation of Article 370.
The Lok Sabha election 2024 was the first major election held in the Union Territory after the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution by the BJP-led Central government in August 2019. The erstwhile state was also divided into two Union Territories – Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Before 2019, Jammu & Kashmir had six Lok Sabha seats, including Ladakh. Now that Ladakh is a separate Union Territory, the parliamentary seats in Jammu & Kashmir have been reduced to five. BJP leaders have linked it to the calm atmosphere after the abrogation of Article 370 to fearless voting by Kashmiri Muslims in the Lok Sabha polls. That is a superficial assessment of the situation. The fact is that people of Kashmir wanted to give the vote a chance to deliver on their aspirations for a dignified place in the Indian Union.
