Paromita Das
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 25th September. As the second phase of Assembly polls unfolds in Jammu and Kashmir, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has called this a pivotal moment for the region, declaring that it stands “on the cusp of change.” This election marks the first time voters will cast their ballots since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and downgraded it from a state to a Union Territory. Kharge’s appeal to the people highlighted the gravity of this election, urging voters to participate in large numbers and reclaim their democratic rights.
In a post on social media, Kharge encouraged the residents of Jammu and Kashmir to press the button on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) with full awareness of the challenges they have faced in the past decade, including the loss of statehood, rising unemployment, and social justice issues. “A vote for positive change will secure your future,” he emphasized, positioning this election as an opportunity to restore constitutional rights and bring about long-awaited welfare for the Union Territory.
Rahul Gandhi, the former Congress Chief, also took to social media, encouraging voters to come out in large numbers for this critical election. He framed the contest as a fight against the perceived injustice of the BJP government, which he accused of insulting the people by snatching their statehood. Gandhi urged voters to break the “circle of injustice” and vote for BHARAT, the Congress-led alliance, to steer the region toward prosperity.
The Congress-National Conference alliance is contesting this election together, with the National Conference fielding candidates in 51 constituencies and Congress contesting 32 seats. This alliance is seen as a united front against the BJP’s policies in the region, and both parties are banking on the sentiment of restoring statehood and rights to mobilize the electorate.
A Turning Point for Jammu and Kashmir
The 2024 Assembly elections are of monumental significance for Jammu and Kashmir, not only because they are the first since the revocation of Article 370 but also because they represent a democratic opportunity for the region to redefine its future. Many residents still grapple with the aftershocks of losing their special status, while others feel the impacts of unemployment, corruption, and land rights disputes. Kharge and Gandhi’s rhetoric taps into these grievances, calling for a collective effort to bring about change through the ballot box.
The election results, to be counted on October 8 alongside Haryana, will be crucial in determining whether the region opts for a return to a state government with stronger representation or continues under the current Union Territory arrangement. Kharge’s appeal to “press the voting button with hope for change” resonates with the widespread desire for the restoration of statehood and the reversal of what many perceive as political injustice.
Conclusion
The Jammu and Kashmir elections are not just a local or regional event—they are emblematic of larger national debates about autonomy, democracy, and governance in Bharat. For Congress, this election is an opportunity to challenge the BJP’s narrative on Jammu and Kashmir and position itself as the party capable of restoring democratic norms in the region. Kharge and Gandhi’s messaging highlights the emotional and constitutional aspects of statehood, appealing to the electorate’s desire for dignity and justice.
However, while the Congress-NC alliance seeks to mobilize voters by focusing on issues like unemployment and lost statehood, the BJP’s counter-narrative of stability and national security will also play a significant role in shaping the outcome. Regardless of the results, this election is a critical test of Bharat’s democratic processes in the context of one of its most politically charged regions. The voters of Jammu and Kashmir now hold the power to determine their future—a future that could either usher in political reform or solidify the current status quo.
The post Jammu and Kashmir on the Cusp of Change: Kharge, Gandhi Rally for Restoration of Statehood appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates.
