First LS polls post-Art 370 rollback: BJP’s influence spurs four political fronts in Kashmir

Srinagar, Apr 29: The landscape of electoral politics in Kashmir has taken a fascinating turn in the wake of the first Lok Sabha elections after the abrogation of Article 370.
In a notable development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has chosen to remain on the sidelines, yet its influence looms large over the proceedings as four distinct fronts have emerged in Kashmir’s political arena.
The absence of the BJP from the electoral fray has not diminished its centrality in the discourse, with four distinct fronts shaping the contest. The first front, the INDIA alliance, sees the National Conference (NC) and the Congress joining forces. The second front comprises the Apni Party and the People’s Conference, aiming to counter the NC’s dominance. The third front features the lone player, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which sets its sights on challenging both the BJP and the NC. Finally, the fourth front is led by Ghulam Nabi Azad’s newly formed Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), which has fielded candidates in two constituencies.
The electoral battle unfolds across three key regions of Kashmir – South, Central, and North. While South Kashmir remains a stronghold for the PDP, the NC and the People’s Conference hold sway in the North.
In the electoral contest between the NC and Congress, allies in the India Alliance, the focus remains on countering the BJP’s influence. The NC faces stiff opposition not only from its traditional rival, the PDP, but also from the alliance of the People’s Conference and the Apni Party, which garnered support from influential figures like Sajjad Gani Lone and Nazir Khan.
The PC-Apni Party alliance directly challenges the NC’s authority, questioning its inaction during the Article 370 abrogation and its track record on development and security issues. Recently, one of the veteran political leaders, Ghulam Hassan Mir, who holds a vital position in the Altaf Bukhari-led Apni party targeted NC, alleging the party of playing double games with the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“NC back in 2019 sought votes during parliamentary polls for the safeguard of Article 370. They won all three seats at that time. Why couldn’t NC save 370 then? NC MPs should have resigned there and then but they didn’t want to lose their salaries. Dr Farooq Abdullah is deceiving people in the name of Islam now. He went to Umrah to showcase his religion and brand himself as a Muslim. I challenge Farooq Abdullah to ridicule Congress which played a vital role at the onset to erode Article 370. We had our own Prime Minister and Sadr Riyasat. The National parties who were against Article 370 in 2019 are now aligning with NC at the national level including Aam Aadmi Party. What is Farooq Abdullah doing with them,” Mir told the election rally held last week in Srinagar.
The PDP, on the other hand, on its part, bases its campaign on critiquing BJP’s policies and the prevailing situation in Kashmir post-Article 370. It accuses the BJP of transforming Kashmir into a “jail” and alleges collusion among other parties to thwart Mehbooba Mufti’s parliamentary bid.
Meanwhile, Ghulam Nabi Azad’s DPAP positions itself as a voice for development and progress in Jammu and Kashmir. Azad’s entry into the electoral fray adds another layer of complexity, as he engages in verbal sparring with political rivals, including Omar Abdullah, questioning their past actions and alliances.
Amid the ongoing season of allegations and counter-allegations being witnessed between the Kashmir-centric political groups, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) opts to stay out of direct competition. Yet its considerable influence casts a long shadow over the region’s political landscape. (KNO)