BJP’s Growing Presence in Kashmir Poses Future Challenges for regional Parties

Jammu and Kashmir which has 90 assembly seats, recorded over 69.65% polling. BJP’s vote share was the highest at 25.64%, followed by National Conference, whose vote share was 23.43%. Congress vote share was 11.97%, while PDP’s vote share was 8.87%. This shift has taken place in the context of the Modi government’s 2019 decision to abrogate Articles 370 and 35 A.

BY RAMNEEK MANHAS

The political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a significant transformation, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) marking a notable presence in Kashmir region. Once considered a distant player in valley’s political sphere, the saffron party has steadily built its base and is no longer seen as an “untouchable” force. In the recently held Assembly elections, the saffron party fielded its candidates in 19 out of 47 Muslim dominated constituencies and secured 7.53% vote share. This is a pivotal moment for the BJP, indicating its growing influence in a region that has traditionally been dominated by parties like the National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

One of the most telling aspects of this election is that all candidates, except those from the National Conference and BJP, failed to meet the minimum vote percentage required, resulting in the forfeiture of their deposits. This underlines the dramatic shift in voter preferences and highlights the BJP’s ability to influence a significant section of voters. The fact that the BJP has managed to achieve this level of support in Kashmir—a region historically less aligned with its ideological framework—is a testament to its evolving strategy and outreach efforts.

However, BJP did not win any seat in the Valley; still its performance was remarkable. The party came 2nd in two constituencies, 3rd in four and 4th in three constituencies. Particularly noteworthy was the Gurez assembly constituency, where the BJP lost by a narrow margin of just 1,032 votes. This near victory in Gurez is an indication that the BJP is on the verge of making deep inroads in the region.

According to political pundits, the party’s performance in Kashmir reflects a broader shift in the political landscape of the Union Territory. Traditional regional players like National Conference and the PDP, which have long ruled Kashmir, will face a tough challenge from the BJP in the coming times. The declared results show that voters are becoming increasingly receptive to new political options. This shift has taken place in the context of the Modi government’s 2019 decision to abrogate Articles 370 and 35 A.

The growing influence of the BJP in the Kashmir Valley can largely be credited to the tireless efforts made by party’s General Secretary (Organisation), Mr. Ashok Koul, and former Minister and Kashmir in-charge, Mr. Sunil Sharma. Both have worked diligently for years to expand the party’s base in the region.

Mr. Koul, with his deep understanding of local dynamics, played a key role in building grassroots contacts, while Mr. Sharma focused on mobilising workers and strengthening the party’s organisational structure. Their strategic outreach, along with their focus on addressing local issues and concerns, gradually transformed the BJP’s image in the region. Today, their efforts are bearing fruits, as the BJP is emerging as a significant political force in Kashmir, making inroads into constituencies that were once considered beyond its reach.

Looking ahead, the BJP’s performance in these elections indicates that it is not only gaining ground but also reshaping the political map of Kashmir. The party’s ability to secure a substantial vote share and perform competitively across multiple constituencies suggests that it could continue to grow in strength in future elections. As the BJP consolidates its base, it is likely to challenge the dominance of regional parties further and play a more central role in shaping the region’s political future.

In conclusion, the BJP’s evolving presence in Kashmir is a clear indicator of changing political winds. The party’s performance, marked by a good vote share and competitive results across various constituencies, is a significant milestone in its Kashmir strategy. While challenges remain, especially in the face of entrenched regional parties, the BJP’s growing appeal in the region suggests that it is poised to become a formidable political force in Jammu and Kashmir in the years to come.