The political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir has always been a focal point of interest for the entire nation. The Legislative Assembly, which underwent delimitation in 2022, now boasts 90 seats divided between the Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
Jammu Division has 43 seats and Kashmir Division has 47 seats, the distribution making it quite difficult for one party to win or form the government, given the current political polarisation in the UT.
However, to understand the present political dynamics, it's essential to revisit the pivotal 2014 Legislative Assembly elections, which were last held before the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganisation of the state into two Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh – in 2019.
The 2014 elections saw a high voter turnout and resulted in a fragmented mandate, reflecting the diverse political aspirations of the region's people. The elections for 87 seats resulted in the following distribution:
Detailed seat distribution and winners in 2014
The 2014 elections were marked by significant political developments. PDP emerged as the single largest party with a strong presence in Kashmir Valley.
Similarly, the BJP made substantial inroads in the Jammu region, becoming a major political force.
Even though NC and INC faced setbacks, the parties continued to hold sway in several constituencies.
Independents and smaller parties also played crucial roles in the overall political scenario.
The 2014 elections were significant as they set the stage for subsequent political changes in the region.
The PDP-BJP coalition formed the government, highlighting a unique political alliance between the ideologically divergent parties. This coalition, however, faced numerous challenges, leading to its eventual collapse in 2018.
With the delimitation exercise increasing the number of seats to 90, the upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir are expected to be even more dynamic.
Political parties are gearing up for a significant electoral battle, with new alliances and strategies shaping the future political landscape of the Union Territory.
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