The results of the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections are out, and the people of the Kashmir Valley have completely dismissed separatist candidates. Parties like Engineer Rashid's Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) and Jamaat-e-Islami failed to leave a mark. Most of their candidates couldn't save their deposits, clearly indicating a total rejection by the voters.
However, Engineer Rashid's brother, Khurshid Ahmed Sheikh, secured a victory in the Langate seat, marking the only major upset in this election. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami-supported candidate Sayyar Ahmed Reshi performed well in Kulgam but didn’t gain widespread support.
Afzal Guru's Brother Suffers a Crushing Defeat
The most significant defeat was faced by Afzal Guru's brother, Ejaz Ahmed Guru, in Sopore, who received only 129 votes. Even the 'NOTA' (None of the Above) option garnered more with 341 votes, causing him major embarrassment.
Awami Ittehad Party in Disarray
Engineer Rashid's Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) fielded 44 candidates, but most couldn't save their deposits. Notable candidates like AIP spokesperson Firdous Baba and businessman Sheikh Ashiq Hussain also faced defeats. Ashiq secured only 963 votes, overshadowed by 'NOTA’s 1,713 votes, clearly indicating a voter rejection of the party.
Jamaat-e-Islami's Hopes Dashed
Jamaat-e-Islami fielded four candidates and supported four others. However, only Sayyar Ahmed Reshi from Kulgam gained some recognition. Other candidates, like Talat Majeed from Pulwama, attributed their loss to minimal support from Jamaat's cadre and alleged associations with the BJP.
Setback to Separatist Politics
The election results have clearly shown that Kashmir's populace is now opposing separatist politics. Analysts view these outcomes as indicative of a significant shift in Kashmir's political landscape. Attention will now turn to how the National Conference, which has received massive public support, delivers on its promises.
With the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election results clarified, the NC-Congress coalition has secured victory, surpassing the required majority to form a government. The coalition gained 49 seats, BJP secured 29, PDP won 3, with others taking 9 seats.
