The ongoing Assembly poll in Jammu and Kashmir, now in the penultimate stages, is remarkable for several reasons, above all for the peaceful manner campaigning has proceed thus far. A peaceful poll in J&K may be a harbinger of returning normalcy in the hitherto troubled region. It is remarkable too that along with regional parties such as the National Conference of the Abdullahs and the Peoples Democratic Party of the Muftis, and the two national parties, the Congress and the BJP, there are a few well-known independent players openly backed by the extremist elements in the poll fray.
The first election since the abrogation of the controversial Article 370 in 2019, the outcome could have a bearing on the Center’s commitment to restore J&K’s statehood. The Centre would do so provided prospects of lasting peace return to the Valley. Popular participation in the poll if followed by the emergence of a stable government would greatly help the Centre keep its word on statehood.
By all accounts, the two regional parties are fighting with their backs to the wall in this election. Even Omar Abdullah, the National Conference leader, was playing safe, contesting from two constituencies. Other NC candidates too are feeling the pressure from independents backed by the Jamaat-e-Islami.
Engineer Rashid, who defeated Omar Abdullah in the Lok Sabha poll, has emerged as a key player in the Assembly poll as well. In fact, he is accused by the leaders of the regional parties of colluding with.