The political scenario in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has always been dynamic, but the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 shifted the region’s politics significantly. It resulted in an ongoing struggle for regional and national parties to adapt to the altered landscape, as voter landscapes have changed, new players have emerged and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has consolidated its influence. To make sense of this situation requires examining not only the circumstances leading to the abrogation, but also the internal workings of key regional parties, the rise of new political forces and the BJP’s strategic moves to reshape J&K’s politics .
The assembly election of 2014 was significant as it set a precedent for politics in J&K. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) , led by Mehbooba Mufti, built its campaign on opposing the BJP’s integrationist agenda, but surprised many by forging a coalition with the BJP after the elections. While politically pragmatic, this coalition disillusioned the PDP’s traditional support base, many of whom felt betrayed by what they perceived as an act of compromising the party’s autonomy-driven ideology.
Historically, the PDP’s platform was built around advocating for Kashmir’s autonomy, in stark contrast to the BJP’s long-standing objective of integrating J&K fully into the Indian Union. When the PDP joined hands with the BJP, it weakened its credibility and alienated its voter base. Tensions grew within the PDP’s ranks―while some l.
