||Black and White Digital News ||

||Parvinder Singh August 16,2024 ||

DELHI: Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to announce the schedule for the upcoming General Election to the Legislative Assemblies at 3 PM today at the Plenary Hall, Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. This announcement is anticipated with great interest, particularly for the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), which has been without an elected government since the dissolution of its Legislative Assembly in 2018.

Assembly Elections in J&K UT:

The assembly elections in J&K are significant as they would be the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which stripped the region of its special status and bifurcated it into two Union Territories. The political environment in J&K is charged, with various parties preparing their strategies while addressing critical issues that resonate with the electorate.

Recent Appointment of the New DGP:

The appointment of Nalin Prabhat as the permanent Director General of Police (DGP) for J&K UT is a crucial development ahead of the elections. Prabhat’s leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in maintaining law and order during the electoral process, especially given the region’s security sensitivities. His appointment by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is seen as a move to ensure robust security measures, a top priority given the history of militancy in the region.

Model Code of Conduct and Political Challenges:

With the announcement of the election schedule, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) will come into effect immediately. This will require all political parties and candidates to adhere to a set of guidelines designed to ensure free and fair elections. The MCC will also curb the misuse of official machinery and set the tone for political campaigning across the UT.

Political Parties and the Demand for Statehood:

One of the most contentious issues in the upcoming elections is the demand for the restoration of J&K’s statehood. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has been a proponent of the abrogation of Article 370, faces criticism from regional parties for not prioritizing the restoration of statehood. The BJP’s election agenda seems to be focused more on the benefits of the abrogation, such as increased integration with the rest of India and enhanced development, rather than on the statehood issue.

Conversely, the Congress and regional parties like the National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have been vocal in their demand for the restoration of statehood before the assembly elections. They argue that statehood is essential for the political empowerment and economic development of the region, and it remains a central theme in their election campaigns.

Key Election Issues:

Smart Meters, Mining Mafia, and Unemployment

Several local issues are also expected to dominate the election narrative. The installation of smart meters, which has faced opposition from various quarters, is likely to be a significant issue. Additionally, the alleged activities of the mining mafia, the proliferation of wine shops, and the plight of daily wagers are crucial concerns that political parties will need to address.

Unemployment and corruption are perennial issues in J&K and will undoubtedly be themes in the election campaign. The demand for statehood ties into these broader concerns, as many believe that a full-fledged state government would be better equipped to tackle these problems.

Security Concerns and the Government’s Challenge:

The people of J&K have been eagerly awaiting assembly elections, seeing them as an opportunity to regain political agency. However, the government and security forces face significant challenges in ensuring a peaceful and orderly electoral process. The security situation in the region remains delicate, with sporadic incidents of violence and terrorism posing potential risks during the election period.

The announcement of the election schedule marks the beginning of an intense and pivotal electoral season in J&K UT. As political parties gear up for the elections, the demand for statehood, local governance issues, and security concerns will dominate the discourse. The outcome of these elections will be critical in shaping the future political landscape of J&K.