A STRONG indicator of change in political thinking in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir was witnessed via the big jump in voter turnout for five Lok Sabha seats. The UT recorded a whopping 30 points jump in election participation which is the highest in the last 35 years. Voter turnout in the five LS seats in J&K was recorded at 58.46% which is 13 percentage points higher than the turnout in 2019 Lok Sabha elections (44.37%). The robust voting percentage is being seen as a giant leap of democratic spirit in the Valley that used to reel under pressure and fear affecting voter turnout in the earlier years. The change in mindset should be termed as a big positive for further development of J&K which was waiting for revival of democratic process since the abrogation of Article 370 five years ago. The high voting percentage also reflects the willingness of the people in J&K to embrace real ways of democracy which was stifled by a few selfish elements under the guise of Special Status. The Election Commission of India deserves a pat on the back for taking the process till the last man standing in the Valley where general sentiment used to be indifferent towards elections in the earlier years. The high number of voting stands as a testament to the healthy civic engagement of the people in the region.

 

The general elections have also paved the way for further democratic processes including the Assembly polls which would be key for restoration of statehood to Jammu & Kashmir. The Centre has been reiterating its promise of restoring full statehood to the newly-carved Union Territory at the right moment. The successful conduct of elections, where all major parties in the region took active part, serves as the first sign of normalcy where democratic values and spirit are respected. Since the removal of Article 370, Jammu & Kashmir has undergone a massive change in every sphere. An air of positivism pervades the hitherto terror strongholds even as the populace enjoys the fruits of steady development through industries, infrastructure, education and top-class facilities. Tourism, the backbone of the region, has blossomed into a vibrant industry as tourism footfalls keep increasing each year. The successful conduct of G-20 summit in Srinagar has also played a key role in making the people realise the high benefits of proper engagement with the mainstream through democratic means.

 

These factors were slowly combining into a healthy atmosphere making a strong foundation for restarting of democratic processes in the Union Territory. It has been vindicated by the sterling response from the electorate which has turned up with a vibrant democratic spirit. A palpable change was witnessed in the three seats in the Valley -- Srinagar, Baramulla and Anantnag-Rajouri constituencies -- where voter turnout was highest in the last three decades. Also, a significant number in the electorate was formed by voters in the age group of 18-59 years underlining their faith in democracy. Participation of young people is often seen as a barometer for change in mindset. That the young population in the Valley, once brainwashed into stone-pelting, is seeking a role in democracy through proper channels reflects the freshness in their thinking. They truly deserve the “special congratulations” from Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi who has hailed their enthusiastic participation in the festival of democracy. The general elections results will present the political scenario in J&K but at this moment focus should be solely on the successful conduct of elections in the UT, especially the Valley seats, and willingness of the voters to become a part of democratic history of the region.