Political Landscape Shifts in Kashmir as NC Claims Victory Amidst BJP’s Continued Dominance in Haryana

The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC), the biggest political party opposed to India’s stripping of the region’s semi-autonomy, has secured a decisive victory in the region’s first legislative elections since the revocation of its autonomy five years ago, Al Jazeera reported yesterday.

The NC won 42 out of 90 seats in the Legislative Assembly, while its ally, the Indian National Congress, captured six seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) trailed with 29 seats. Polling, conducted in three phases starting September 18, 2024, saw NC leader Omar Abdullah expressing gratitude for public support and vowing to enhance governance, alongside his father, Farooq Abdullah, who called for a government free from oppressive rule.

Meanwhile, in Haryana, the BJP maintained its stronghold by winning 48 seats in the state elections, marking its third consecutive term. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed this victory as a testament to the politics of development, while Congress leader Jairam Ramesh lamented the unexpected results, which contradicted earlier predictions of a favorable outcome for his party.