Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024: National Conference-Congress Alliance Leads in First Polls Since Abrogation of Article 370

The counting of votes for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, comprising 90 seats, began early on Tuesday morning, signaling the culmination of a politically significant electoral process in the Union Territory. This election marks the first chance for residents to vote since the region’s special status under Article 370 was revoked in 2019.

According to officials from the Election Commission of India, extensive security measures are in place across all counting centers to ensure a smooth process. The election has been marked by the participation of veteran leaders and new entrants alike, with a voter turnout reported at 63.88 percent across phases.

The prominent contesters in the elections include National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah, BJP state president Ravinder Raina, Sajad Gani Lone of the People’s Conference, and Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hamid Karra. Notably, Omar Abdullah contested from the assembly segments of Budgam and Ganderbal, while Ravinder Raina represented the Nowshera constituency.

Initial results showed the NC-Congress alliance taking an early lead, much to the delight of their supporters. Omar Abdullah is projected to become the next Chief Minister, according to NC chief Farooq Abdullah. “People have proven that they reject the decisions made on August 5, 2019,” he commented, referring to the abrogation of Article 370.

On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party has also seen significant successes. Ravinder Raina claimed victory in Nowshera, while Satish Kumar Sharma secured the Bilawar seat for the BJP. Despite some losses, the BJP remains confident, with party spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari expressing optimism about forming a “pro-development state” in Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, Mehbooba Mufti of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has acknowledged the NC’s victory. She congratulated the leadership for their performance, emphasizing the need for a stable government post-2019 reforms. “A stable and strong government is very important for addressing the problems faced by the people,” she noted.

The elections have also seen a notable performance from independent candidates and smaller parties. Waheed Para of the PDP won the Pulwama seat, while the BJP’s Ranbir Singh Pathania emerged victorious at Udhampur East. Among independent candidates, Sayar Reshi trailed in Kulgam, indicative of the challenging competition faced from other political veterans.

Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference leader Sajjad Lone faced significant challenges, trailing from both Handwara and Kupwara against NC candidates. Additionally, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami of CPI(M) is seeking another term in Kulgam, a seat he has previously held since 1996.