Kashmir’s National Conference Emerges Victorious in Local Elections
Srinagar, India (AP) — In a significant political development, Kashmir’s largest political party opposing India’s revocation of the region’s semi-autonomy has emerged as the leading party in local elections. According to official data released on Tuesday, the National Conference (NC) secured 42 seats, predominantly from the Kashmir Valley, which has been the epicenter of anti-India sentiment.
In contrast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to win 29 seats, all located in the Hindu-majority areas of Jammu. The main opposition party, Congress, which contested the elections in alliance with the NC, won six constituencies.
Read more: PM Shehbaz Claims Indian Troops Terrorize Residents in Occupied Kashmir at UNGA
Omar Abdullah, the NC leader and former chief minister of the region, expressed gratitude for the public’s support, stating, “People have supported us more than our expectations. Now our efforts will be to prove that we are worth these votes.” Abdullah won from two seats and emphasized the party’s commitment to addressing the concerns of the electorate.
Farooq Abdullah, Omar’s father and president of the NC, highlighted that the mandate reflects a desire for governance free from “police raj (rule)” and called for efforts to release political prisoners. He also asserted that media freedom would be a priority for the newly elected representatives.
This election result is seen as a referendum against the central government’s actions in Kashmir, reflecting the region’s ongoing political tensions and aspirations for greater autonomy.
