Prime Minister Modi Acknowledges JKNC’s Electoral Success, Pledges Continued Support for J&K’s Progress
New Delhi, 08-10-2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday, extended his congratulations to the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) for their “commendable performance” in the recently concluded Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. The acknowledgment came as trends from the Election Commission of India (ECI) indicated that the National Conference-Congress alliance is set to form the next government in the region.
According to official results, the alliance has crossed the crucial halfway mark, securing 49 out of 90 seats in the Assembly. The breakdown reveals that the National Conference won 42 seats, the Indian National Congress secured 6, and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) — CPI (M) — gained 1 seat. This coalition victory marks a significant moment in J&K’s political landscape following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi expressed his appreciation, writing, “I would like to compliment JKNC for their commendable performance in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.” His congratulatory message to the National Conference underscores a moment of political acknowledgment amidst a backdrop of fierce electoral competition.
While commending the JKNC, PM Modi also praised his own party’s efforts. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to win 29 seats in the elections. Modi lauded the “industrious efforts” of BJP workers, stating that he is “proud” of their performance. “I thank all those who have voted for our party and placed their trust in us. I assure the people that we will continue working for the welfare of Jammu and Kashmir,” he noted. The BJP’s performance highlights its enduring influence in the union territory.
Other notable election outcomes include the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which secured three seats. Additionally, seven Independents emerged victorious, and in a surprise turn, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) claimed its first-ever seat in the Union Territory, winning the Doda Assembly constituency.
Earlier, during an election rally in Jammu and Kashmir, PM Modi had sharply criticized the regional parties, describing the contest as a battle between “three dynasties” and the youth of J&K. He singled out the Congress, National Conference (NC), and People’s Democratic Party (PDP), accusing them of corrupt practices that, according to him, “hollowed out” and “destroyed” Jammu and Kashmir for decades.
“These three families are responsible for the dire state that J&K was in for decades,” PM Modi said, claiming that their corruption led to struggles for basic needs among the people. He further alleged that these families had laid the foundation for terrorism and extremism in the region, providing safe havens for these activities for personal gain.
“This election is a contest between these dynastic families and the youth of Jammu and Kashmir,” he emphasized. “What these three families — the Congress, National Conference, and PDP — have done is nothing short of a betrayal. They laid the groundwork for separatism and terrorism. Who benefitted? The enemies of the nation. They nurtured terrorism for their own profits, prospering while the people of J&K suffered.”
The Prime Minister’s remarks highlight the central narrative of the BJP’s campaign, positioning it as a fight against political dynasties and in favor of the region’s youth and future. With the formation of the new government under the Congress-NC alliance, the political dynamics of Jammu and Kashmir are set for a new phase as parties navigate the complexities of governance in the post-Article 370 era.
