The last state assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir were held in 2014. The region has since seen a series of political upheavals, most notably the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. This pivotal move by the Indian government revoked the special autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir, bifurcating it into two union territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Since the dissolution of the state assembly in 2018 and the subsequent implementation of President’s Rule, the region has been without an elected legislative body. The promised restoration of statehood and the scheduling of assembly elections remain unfulfilled, leading to growing discontent among the populace. The bureaucratic management of the region has been a point of contention. With no elected representatives to address their concerns, citizens feel increasingly alienated from the governance process. Decisions are made with little to no public consultation, and the lack of transparency and accountability has only exacerbated the sense of disenfranchisement. Moreover, the administration under bureaucrats has often been criticized for misuse of power. Instances of heavy-handedness and arbitrary decision-making have been reported, further straining the relationship between the government and the people. Public hearings and participatory governance, crucial for addressing local issues and grievances, are conspicuously absent. The delay in conducting the state assembly elections has drawn widespread criticism. While the Lok Sabha elections have been completed, the Election Commission must prioritize and expedite the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The democratic deficit in the region needs to be urgently addressed to restore normalcy and ensure that the people have a voice in their governance. As Jammu and Kashmir continue to navigate these complex political dynamics, the need for an elected state assembly becomes increasingly clear. The central government and the Election Commission must act promptly to hold the elections, fulfilling their promise and restoring democratic processes in the region.
