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The upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections mark a significant turning point in the region's political landscape, taking place for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. This historic event fundamentally altered the status of the erstwhile state, leading to its reorganization into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The abrogation stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, which granted it significant autonomy, including its own constitution and considerable self-governance.
Amidst this backdrop, the two main regional parties – the National Conference (NC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) – have strategically centered their poll campaigns on the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's special status. Their manifestos explicitly outline a commitment to reinstate the region's political and constitutional rights, which they argue were unjustly “snatched” by the Centre in August 2019. The restoration of Article 370 stands as a central pillar of their campaign promises.
However, the path to restoring Article 370 is fraught with legal and political obstacles. Legal experts emphasize that the restoration process would necessitate not only a strong political will but also meticulous adherence to established legal and constitutional procedures. The abrogation of Article 370 was a significant constitutional change, and its reversal would require a similar level of deliberation and legal scrutiny. The Supreme Court of India is currently hearing petitions challenging the abrogation, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
The upcoming Assembly elections are expected to be highly competitive, with the two regional parties vying for the support of the electorate. The issue of Article 370 is likely to be a dominant theme throughout the campaign, shaping the discourse and influencing voter decisions. The outcome of the elections will have far-reaching implications for the future of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in determining the political landscape and shaping the region's relationship with the central government.