Kashmir Holds First Regional Elections Since Losing Autonomy

Approximately nine million registered voters are participating in the election for the 90-seat legislative assembly, with the first phase of voting taking place today. Subsequent rounds are scheduled for September 25 and October 1, with results expected on October 8.

On September 18, voters in Indian-administered Kashmir began casting ballots in regional elections, marking the first such vote since the region lost its semi-autonomous status in 2019, Al Jazeera reported.

Political analysts describe the elections as a crucial referendum on Kashmir’s special status, which was revoked under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. The BJP claims that removing this status has fostered development and stability, while critics fear it could alter the region’s demographics amid rising Hindu nationalism.

Despite a history of low voter turnout due to security concerns, the recent national elections saw a participation rate of 58.46%, the highest in decades. Regional parties are contesting the elections, promising to restore Kashmir’s special status, while the BJP focuses on development and combating militancy.