National Conference and Congress Alliance Gains Victory in Jammu and Kashmir Elections

The National Conference–Indian National Congress alliance is on the verge of a significant victory in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, as the counting of votes reveals a commanding lead. By midday, the alliance led in 52 of the 90 Assembly seats, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following in 27 seats.

The elections mark a historical turn for the region as the first polls held after a decade. Notably, they are also the first elections since the abrogation of Article 370 and 35-A in 2019, which had redefined the state’s autonomy. Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu and Kashmir reported a turnout of 63.45% across the multi-phased election.

Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, representing the National Conference, is leading in both Ganderbal and Budgam seats. In Budgam, Abdullah secured victory with a margin of 18,485 votes against PDP‘s Aga Syed Muntazir. The Ganderbal constituency remains a stronghold for the Abdullah family; however, in 2002 Omar was defeated there, making this victory noteworthy.

Meanwhile, the PDP has suffered a disappointing performance, leading only on two seats. Iltija Mufti, a key leader of the PDP, conceded defeat from the Sirgufwara-Bijbehra constituency to NC’s Dr. Bashir Ahmad Veeri, trailing by a substantial margin of 8,758 votes.

In Kulgam, veteran CPI leader Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami maintained his seat for a fifth consecutive term, defeating the Jamaat-e-Islami-backed candidate with a substantial margin. Tarigami has been representing Kulgam since 1996 with consistent reelection.

The capital city, Srinagar, witnessed a sweeping victory for the JKNC, claiming all eight constituencies. Celebrations erupted among supporters, with Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed expressing confidence in the NC’s continued trustworthiness. “The people have again proved that NC is the only party that can be trusted,” he stated.

This victory marks a pivotal moment, reaffirming the party’s base and challenging recent constitutional changes. As former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is poised for a return to leadership, party members and supporters envision a period of governance marked by continuity and stability.