J&K polls: A game of alliances and accusations as campaigning for first phase ends

Srinagar: The campaigning for the first phase of the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly elections has concluded, leaving behind hopes for the contestants and heightened security measures. South Kashmir, traditionally a stronghold for the PDP, is the battleground for this phase, with the NC-Congress alliance and the BJP vying for a share of the political pie.

The PDP, under the leadership of Mehbooba Mufti, faces a formidable challenge from the NC-Congress alliance, which sees this election as an opportunity to reclaim lost ground in the region.

Adding another dimension to the contest is the BJP, which is fielding candidates in south Kashmir for the first time. The party’s ambition to expand its footprint in the region is evident, setting the stage for a multi-faceted political struggle.

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Security remains a top priority, with a multi-tier system in place to ensure a peaceful and secure election process.

The first phase of the elections has laid the groundwork for a dramatic and consequential campaign. As the voting process begins, the people of Kashmir will have their say, deciding the fate of political parties and shaping the future of their region.

The political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir is getting increasingly complex as the assembly elections heat up. The latest twist involves a pre-poll alliance between Engineer Rashid’s Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) and former leaders of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JEI).

This unexpected alliance has raised eyebrows, particularly considering the JEI’s historical aversion to electoral politics. This move has sparked speculation about the organization’s evolving strategy and its potential influence on the election outcome.

The National Conference (NC), a key contender, sees this alliance as a calculated move to weaken its own standing. Omar Abdullah, the NC leader, believes the AIP is acting under external influence, aiming to secure votes that would otherwise go to the NC.

“Their strings are connected somewhere else, they get their orders from them and they dance to their tunes,” Abdullah during his visit to South Kashmir’s Pampore Assembly constituency said.

“They have been fielded to take on the National Conference. We have no issues, we will fight them,” Abdullah apparently pointing towards the Bharatiya Janata Party said.

The election has become a game of alliances and accusations, each party employing strategies to gain an edge. The BJP, confident in its stronghold at the centre, is banking on Prime Minister Modi’s rallies to attract voters, but Abdullah questions the translation of these large gatherings into votes.

“How difficult is it to gather 30,000 people by using money? The PM has addressed a rally earlier as well by gathering government employees. Please don’t show me the rallies, show me the votes. I do not think it will translate into votes. Let the BJP win one seat from the Kashmir valley, then we can talk,” he said.

The accusations of dynastic rule levelled against the NC by the BJP are countered with a reminder of the BJP’s lacklustre performance during its direct rule in Jammu and Kashmir.

“They do not have anything else to sell to the people. They would have presented their report card if they had done something for the people. When a ‘fail’ is written in the report card, they have to say something else,” he said.