As J&K UT gears up for Panchayat polls, political battlelines redrawn

NC eyes comprehensive outreach, BJP confident of increased vote share

JAMMU: Following the successful conduct of Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, political momentum is building for the upcoming Panchayat elections. Preparations are underway, with major parties such as the BJP and Congress already launching campaigns in anticipation of the democratic exercise.
The last Panchayat elections, held in 2018, were conducted amidst a significant boycott by major regional players like the National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Their opposition stemmed from issues surrounding Article 370 and Article 35-A.
Despite these challenges, the elections proceeded in nine phases, achieving an overall voter turnout of 74%, with the Jammu division recording 83.5% participation and the Kashmir division at 44.4%. Though officially apolitical, political influences were evident in the process.
This time, political dynamics have shifted. The NC, which emerged as the largest party in the recent Assembly elections by winning 42 seats and forming the government with support from Independents, is poised to be a major contender.
The party has been actively engaging with voters across Jammu and Kashmir. Rattan Lal Gupta, NC’s Jammu province president, affirmed the party’s resolve to serve all regions equally, stating, "We will connect more people with our policies to ensure a strong performance in the upcoming Panchayat elections."
The BJP, meanwhile, is focusing on aggressive membership drives and grassroots mobilization. State president Sat Sharma expressed confidence in the party’s ability to increase its voter base, emphasizing unity among its leadership and workers to secure greater success.
Similarly, the Congress party is introspecting and restructuring its organization. State president Tariq Hameed Karra highlighted the role of a fact-finding committee to address shortcomings from the Assembly elections and introduce fresh candidates for better results.
The elections will see over 65 lakh voters casting their votes for 4,291 Panchayats and 33,597 Panch seats. Key districts in the Jammu division include Jammu (305 Panchayats), Rajouri (312), and Kathua (257), while in the Kashmir division, Baramulla leads with 402 Panchayats, followed by Anantnag (335) and Kupwara (385).
Preparations are supported by the State Election Commission, which is revising voter rolls, with special camps scheduled for late November and early December. The final voter list will be published on January 6, 2025. Additionally, the OBC Commission is working on reservations to ensure representation.
The Panchayat elections are shaping up to be a critical test for political parties. The NC and PDP, previously abstainers, are preparing for a strong comeback, while the BJP and Congress intensify their efforts. With heightened political activity, the elections promise to shape the future of grassroots governance in Jammu and Kashmir.

Updated On 11/23/2024 1:59:26 AM