THIS is the first assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir since the region was designated a Union Territory under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019, passed on 9 August, 2019. Once an autonomous state within the Indian Union, J&K had extensive powers, including its own prime minister and Sadre-Riyasat until 1965, when these positions were replaced by that of the chief minister and governor.
Ahead of the announcement of the election in July 2024, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) expanded the administrative powers of the Lieutenant Governor (LG) significantly.
The move made former Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) vice-president Omar Abdullah angry.
"The people of J&K deserve better than a powerless rubber stamp CM who will have to beg the LG to get his/her peon appointed," Abdullah said. Both Abdullah and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti said they would not participate in the election in a Union Territory, but when the election was announced, they had a change of heart. However, the NC vice president soon realised it was a tough fight. He had lost the North Kashmir Baramulla parliamentary seat earlier this year to jailed leader Engineer Rashid.
So, an uncertain Abdullah decided to contest from two constituencies this time: Baramulla and Ganderbal. Mehbooba Mufti abstained from contesting in the polls herself, but has been campaigning vigorously all across Jammu and Kashmir and also for her daughter, Iltija Mufti, in the Bijbehara constituency.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Taking charge like never before
Women homebuyers today are more independent, decisive and investment-savvy than ever.
Women Torchbearers of Viksit Bharat - Leading the Big Four
The first woman to lead a 'Big Four' firm in India, Shefali Goradia envisions a robust pipeline of talented women leaders for a brighter future in corporate governance
Women Torchbearers of Viksit Bharat - Breaking the Indian actress mould
Shahana Goswami's film career veers away from the tested with a rich and diverse portfolio
Women Torchbearers of Viksit Bharat - Fostering Innovation and Inclusion
Embracing technology beyond a support function, as the core of businesses and an enabler for empowerment, Prativa Mohapatra creates a holistic environment with equal opportunities
Women Torchbearers of Viksit Bharat - Safe Teen Steps
Dr Manjula Pooja Shroff addresses rising mental health crisis among youth and the steps for making a safer, healthier, and happier teenage life through her book 'Safe Teen Steps'
Women Torchbearers of Viksit Bharat - Agility in Advertising Approach
Technology is essential, and Anupriya Acharya is leveraging its full potential towards programmatic advertising, influencer marketing, and advanced TV advertising
Imam Trump
Sooner than later, the Ayatollah in the red tie will try to degrade India's national honour and prestige
Grit, Gumption and Goals
A role model for social reforms, Dr Mariazeena Johnson advocates for quality education, vocational training and equal rights and opportunities for women and girls
Women Torchbearers of Viksit Bharat - Of Strength, Grace and Worth
Women and their worth are not up for debate. In boardrooms and in battlefields, in public spaces and in public life, in conscience and in consciousness, it's time to claim our seats. Prof Manoshi RoyChowdhury writes
Women Torchbearers of Viksit Bharat - Revolutionizing Real Estate Leadership
Manju Yagnik's exceptional career blends strategic innovation, inspiring green living, and advocacy for women's leadership, inspiring the next generation of industry pioneers
