The revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir led to the dissolution of the state legislature and the division of the region into three union territories. The ruling BJP claimed that this move has restored normalcy in the area, citing increased economic progress and peace. However, locals disagree with this assessment, stating that restoration of the region’s special privileges is crucial for true stability.
The BJP candidate for Anantnag West, Rafiq Wani, highlighted the improvements in the region since the revocation of Article 370. He mentioned that previously, the region faced unrest and disruptions due to militant activity, with businesses and schools often closed for significant periods. However, Wani argued that in the last five years, development and peace have thrived, with children attending school and workers going about their daily routines without fear of violence.
Despite the BJP’s claims of support from Kashmiris for the revocation of Article 370, the party has traditionally faced challenges in the Kashmir valley. Wani is the only BJP candidate with a genuine chance of winning a seat from the region, where the party is contesting only 19 out of 47 seats. The party has promised to reinstate Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood if it wins the election, emphasizing that only the BJP can grant full statehood to the region.
The Modi government has positioned itself as the only entity capable of granting Jammu and Kashmir full statehood, advocating for locals to vote for the ruling party to achieve this goal. Meanwhile, other political parties are also advocating for the restoration of the region’s statehood, emphasizing the benefits of increased access to funds, policy autonomy, and the ability to chart its own course. Locals view the upcoming elections as a positive democratic exercise but emphasize that reinstating statehood is crucial for bringing true normalcy back to the region.
