Introduction: BJP vote share Jammu Kashmir 2024
The 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections marked a pivotal point in the region’s political history, coming after the significant constitutional changes following the abrogation of Article 370. The Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance secured a decisive victory, forming the government in the Union Territory. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), although unable to win enough seats, garnered the highest vote share, reflecting its continued influence. A significant development was the rise of independent candidates, who secured more seats than Mehbooba Mufti’s once-dominant People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The Congress-NC Coalition: A Victory Rooted in Regional Sentiment
The Congress-NC alliance’s victory is historic not just because of the numbers but because of the context in which it unfolded. This was the first assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which stripped the region of its special status and bifurcated it into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh. This election was a test of the new political order, and voters made a decisive choice, giving the Congress-NC coalition 48 seats in the 90-member assembly—just two more than the majority mark of 46.
The National Conference, led by Omar Abdullah, emerged as the single largest party with 42 seats, while the Congress added six more to the alliance’s tally. This victory sets the stage for a government formed by parties deeply rooted in the region’s political soil, marking a return to a familiar political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir. The Congress-NC coalition’s ability to tap into regional sentiments, promising stability and regional autonomy under the new legal framework, was instrumental in its success.
BJP: Highest Vote Share, But Short on Seats
The BJP emerged with the highest vote share in the elections, clocking in at 25.5%. Despite this, the party fell short in converting its votes into seats, winning just 29 seats, leaving it 17 short of a majority. This outcome reflects the BJP’s strong voter base, particularly in the Jammu region, but also highlights the challenges it faces in expanding its appeal across the entire Union Territory.
It’s worth noting that the BJP’s influence in Jammu and Kashmir has grown significantly over the past decade, especially since its coalition government with the PDP from 2014 to 2018. The 2024 election was a key test of its ability to function independently in the region, post the Article 370 abrogation. While its high vote share is a testament to its strong organizational capacity, the BJP could not secure enough seats to govern, underscoring the complex regional dynamics at play in Jammu and Kashmir politics.
Independent Candidates Surge Past the PDP
One of the most striking outcomes of the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir elections was the success of independent candidates, who managed to win seven seats, surpassing the PDP, which could only secure three seats. Mehbooba Mufti’s party, once a dominant player in the state’s political landscape, now finds itself facing an existential crisis.
The PDP’s performance in this election is a reflection of its shrinking appeal, particularly after its controversial alliance with the BJP in 2014, which many supporters viewed as a betrayal of its core values. In contrast, the success of independent candidates points to a growing disillusionment among voters with traditional parties. These independent candidates, often rooted in local issues and with strong personal followings, managed to capitalize on the void left by the weakening PDP and the dissatisfaction with mainstream political options.
The Aam Aadmi Party’s Breakthrough in Doda
In an unexpected twist, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) secured its first-ever seat in Jammu and Kashmir, winning the Doda constituency. AAP’s victory in Doda is part of its broader national strategy to expand beyond its base in Delhi and Punjab, where it has established itself as a formidable political force.
AAP’s success in Doda reflects the party’s appeal as a fresh alternative, particularly among younger voters who are disenchanted with the traditional political players. The party’s focus on issues such as governance, anti-corruption, and education may have resonated with a section of the electorate looking for change. While AAP won only one seat, its entry into the Jammu and Kashmir assembly is significant and signals its intent to be a player in national politics beyond its regional strongholds.
The Historical Context: A Decade of Political Change
The 2024 elections were held after a decade-long gap, with the last assembly election taking place in 2014. Since then, Jammu and Kashmir has undergone profound political changes. The most notable of these was the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which ended the region’s special status and its autonomy in several matters. The bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh—was a move that significantly altered the region’s political structure.
The elections were conducted in three phases—on September 18, September 25, and October 1—across all districts of the Union Territory. This was the first time the people of Jammu and Kashmir voted in an assembly election since the political changes of 2019. The elections saw a high turnout, signaling strong voter engagement in determining the future governance of the region.
Experts Weigh In on the Results
Political analysts have been closely watching the Jammu and Kashmir elections, given their significance as a test of the post-Article 370 political order. Professor Amit Ray, a senior political analyst based in Delhi, noted, “The results are a clear indication that regional political forces are still dominant in Jammu and Kashmir. The Congress-NC alliance’s victory shows that the voters in the valley are seeking a return to a more traditional form of governance, even within the new political framework.”
Dr. Shabnam Qureshi, a political scientist at the University of Jammu, commented, “The BJP’s failure to convert its strong vote share into a majority speaks volumes about the unique regional dynamics in Jammu and Kashmir. It still faces an uphill battle in breaking through the political stronghold of regional parties like NC and PDP, despite its growing base in Jammu.”
Omar Abdullah, leader of the National Conference and former Chief Minister, spoke to the press after the victory, saying, “This is a victory for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We are committed to ensuring that the voice of this region is heard loud and clear in the corridors of power. We will continue to work towards peace, progress, and stability in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Timeline of Key Events Leading to the 2024 Elections
- August 5, 2019: The Indian Parliament revokes Article 370, ending Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and splitting the state into two Union Territories—Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
- December 2019: Jammu and Kashmir is placed under President’s Rule following the collapse of the PDP-BJP coalition government.
- 2020-2023: Political uncertainty prevails as the region adapts to its new status. No elections are held during this period.
- September 2024: Assembly elections are held in three phases—September 18, September 25, and October 1—across the Union Territory.
- October 8, 2024: Election results are declared, with the Congress-NC alliance securing 48 seats, enough to form the government.
Conclusion: A New Political Era for Jammu and Kashmir
The 2024 Jammu and Kashmir elections were a defining moment for the region, marking the first democratic exercise post the abrogation of Article 370. The Congress-NC alliance’s victory suggests a strong desire for stability and governance rooted in the region’s traditional political structures. The BJP’s high vote share indicates its continued influence, particularly in Jammu, but the party’s inability to secure enough seats highlights the complexities of Jammu and Kashmir’s electoral landscape. The rise of independent candidates further signals a shift in voter preferences, away from traditional party lines and toward local, issue-based leadership.
As the new government takes shape, Jammu and Kashmir will enter a new era of political governance, with high expectations for peace, development, and progress in the wake of its historic political transformation.
📚 Take Your Trading And Financial Skills to the Next Level!
If you enjoyed this post, dive deeper with our Profitable Trader Series—a step-by-step guide to mastering the stock market.
- Stock Market 101: Profits with Candlesticks
- Stock Market 201: Profits with Chart Patterns
- Stock Market 301: Advanced Trade Sheets
Start your journey now!
👉 Explore the Series Here
For Regular News and Updates Follow – Sentinel eGazette
FAQs with Answers
Here are 5 FAQs that are different from the already existing subheadings:
- Why did the Congress-NC alliance win the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir elections?
- The Congress-NC alliance won due to their strong regional presence and the electorate’s preference for stability, combined with their campaign promises rooted in local governance, security, and economic development.
- What impact did the abrogation of Article 370 have on the 2024 J&K elections?
- The abrogation of Article 370 reshaped Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape, making these elections a test of the new political order and governance, post-special status removal.
- How did independent candidates perform in the J&K elections?
- Independent candidates performed better than expected, securing seven seats, indicating voter disillusionment with traditional political parties like PDP.
- What was the role of the BJP in the 2024 J&K elections?
- The BJP secured the highest vote share (25.5%), but it could not translate this into enough seats to form the government. Their support base was primarily in the Jammu region.
- Will AAP’s win in Doda influence future J&K elections?
- AAP’s win in Doda may signal the beginning of the party’s expansion into Jammu and Kashmir, attracting voters who are seeking a fresh alternative to the region’s traditional parties.
