SRINAGAR, India: While Prime Minister Narendra Modi touts quelling insurgency in Kashmir as a significant achievement in his campaign speeches, many in the disputed region view India’s election as an opportunity to express their disagreement.
Expected to win the historic election, Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) refrained from fielding candidates in Kashmir for the first time in nearly three decades, a move believed to avoid inevitable defeat.
The revocation of Kashmir’s limited autonomy in 2019, accompanied by a security crackdown and telecommunications blackout, has stirred frustrations among Kashmiri voters. Some see the election as a chance to convey their discontent with India’s policies.
Despite being divided between India and Pakistan since 1947, Kashmir has witnessed ongoing conflict fuelled by militant groups opposing Indian rule. The insurgency has resulted in significant casualties over the years.
Modi’s government has championed the end of Kashmir’s special status, emphasizing “peace and development” at campaign rallies. However, many in the valley resent increased curbs on civil liberties and the loss of constitutional guarantees.
Modi’s Hindu nationalist government has unified rival parties in Kashmir, fostering a common opposition as the ongoing struggle of Kashmiris span over decades. Three generations have gone and the issue to date remains unsolved like Palestine in the United Nations.
The election is perceived by Kashmiris as a referendum on Modi’s policies in the region and a way to express their dissent.
Political analysts view the BJP’s decision not to field candidates as a strategic move to avoid defeat. Instead, the party urges support for smaller parties aligned with Modi’s agenda.
India’s Home Minister Amit Shah asserts that the BJP aims to win hearts in Kashmir rather than conquer the region, signalling a softer approach to engagement.
