Delimited franchise

Despite the allegations of gerrymandering against the BJP, the opposition is keen for elections

- TARIQ BHAT

THE CONTROVERSIAL Delimitation Commission for Jammu and Kashmir submitted its final report on May 5, more than two years after it was appointed. Political parties in the Union territory are now anxiously awaiting the announcement of elections. J&K has been under Central rule since June 2018 and, after the reorganisation of the state of J&K into the Union territories of J&K and Ladakh in 2019, the BJP had linked the restoration of statehood to the completion of delimitation and elections.

The revision of electoral rolls would take three to four months. Once that process is complete, the Election Commission of India can announce elections by the end of 2022 or early 2023. However, there is a feeling among the opposition parties that the BJP might delay elections in J&K till the next Lok Sabha polls in 2024.

The opposition says that the BJP has not kept its promise to develop J&K at par with the most developed states of India. The Union government initiated several developmental projects and unveiled an ambitious new industrial policy to attract investment. Though the response was good, the progress has been slow; the pandemic also played spoilsport.

The BJP has taken steps to consolidate its support base in Jammu through a slew of offerings. It has provided reservations in jobs and education to economically weaker sections. The move has benefited those belonging to the upper castes in Jammu. The same has been done for people living near the international border in Jammu, mostly Hindus. Earlier, such benefits were available to only people living close to the Line of Control, mainly tribal Muslims.