The NC-Congress alliance has crossed the majority mark in the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, securing 48 seats, while the BJP is currently leading with 29 seats. This marks a historic moment for the Union Territory, as it is the first Assembly election in a decade and the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status.
In the previous Assembly elections in 2014, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the BJP formed a rare coalition government under the leadership of the late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. However, this partnership was short-lived, as the BJP withdrew its support in 2018, leading to the collapse of the government. Since then, Jammu and Kashmir has been under central rule, awaiting the restoration of an elected government.
The 2024 Assembly elections have seen a strong contest between major political forces, including the National Conference (NC), Congress, the BJP, PDP, and several regional parties and independents. With 48 seats, the NC-Congress alliance is now poised to form the first government since 2018, while the BJP remains a strong contender with 29 seats. The elections have brought a sense of renewed hope and political engagement for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, as they look forward to a new era of governance.
The abrogation of Article 370 significantly reshaped the political landscape of the region, making this election particularly consequential. The results reflect the complex dynamics of the Union Territory, with the NC-Congress alliance capturing significant support despite the BJP’s strong presence. As the final results come in, Jammu and Kashmir is on the verge of entering a new chapter with an elected government, four years after it was brought under central rule.