Political Earthquake in J&K: 34 Top Leaders Defeated, Fresh Faces Rise to Power
New Faces Emerge as 34 Former Ministers Lose Seats in Historic J&K Polls
Jammu, 08-10-2024: In a significant political upheaval in Jammu and Kashmir, 34 former ministers were defeated in the recently concluded Assembly elections, many losing to first-time candidates. This election, the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, marks a pivotal moment as the Union Territory moves toward having an elected government for the first time in over a decade.
The National Conference (NC) emerged as the dominant force, winning 42 out of the 90 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 29. The Indian National Congress followed with 6 seats, and the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (JKPDP) managed just 3 seats, reflecting a shift in the region’s political landscape. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) also won 1 seat, and an additional 7 seats were claimed by Independent candidates.
Among the notable leaders who lost their seats were Vikar Rasool, the former Minister for Tourism and Housing; Muzaffar Beigh, the former Deputy Chief Minister; and Altaf Bukhari, the founder of the Apni Party and former Finance Minister. Other prominent figures such as Harsh Dev Singh, Lal Singh, Ghulam Nabi Lone, and Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen also faced defeat, underscoring a major shift away from traditional power centers.
Held in three phases during September and October, the elections saw 873 candidates vying for 90 constituencies, with 47 seats in the Kashmir region and 43 in Jammu. The polls recorded a higher voter turnout compared to previous elections, indicating increased public engagement and desire for change. This election has opened the door for new and emerging leadership, potentially signaling a transformation in Jammu and Kashmir’s political dynamics.
The results underscore a growing demand for fresh governance and a departure from the established political elite. As the region transitions into its new political chapter, the impact of these developments will be closely watched, with both optimism and caution regarding the future of democratic governance in Jammu and Kashmir.
