Ground report: After 10 years, the people of JK will elect their CM, how much has the valley changed in a decade? Know what the voters think

After 10 years, one question is echoing in the air of Jammu and Kashmir – ‘Who will be the next Chief Minister?’ After a decade, political parties and the public are now ready for the assembly elections. But a lot has changed in Jammu and Kashmir in these many years. What is the attitude of the voters towards voting now, what are their issues and what are the people expecting from the upcoming government. To know this, Aaj Tak spoke to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Shikara owners of Dal Lake said that things have changed a lot since the removal of Article 370 and they have expectations of improvement from the elected government. Shikara owner Imran says that now the situation has improved and tourists are arriving here in large numbers. He says that the elections are bringing hope for a better Kashmir and the issue of Dal Lake pollution should be raised prominently. A flower seller on the boat says that he has been selling flowers on Dal Lake for decades and has seen a big change in the last few years.

Farmers are using drones for the first time for farming

The owner of a Shikara tea stall said he was happy with the improved sales. Pattan in north Kashmir, once a hotbed of terror and unrest, is peaceful today and preparing for the upcoming elections. Traditional apple orchard farmers in Waghura, Baramulla are now adopting modern farming techniques.

For the first time, these farmers are using drones for farming. BJP district president from Baramulla Raja Waqar says that people in Kashmir are grateful to the Prime Minister for peace and development and BJP will develop border villages in Kashmir.

Kashmiri Pandits feeling safe

The newly built Pandit colony houses Kashmiri Pandits who were once displaced and then migrated. Now they are being rehabilitated in new colonies at various places across Kashmir. They are excited about the upcoming elections and have been given the opportunity to vote through postal ballots. Kashmiri Pandits have said that they feel safe in Kashmir and want to remain connected to their homeland.

Elections will be held in three phases

Elections will be held in three phases in Jammu and Kashmir. Voting will be held on 24 seats in the first phase on September 18, on 26 seats in the second phase on September 25 and on 40 seats in the third phase on October 1. The election results will be declared on October 8.

What were the results in 2014?

The last assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir were held in 2014. Out of the 87 seats here, PDP won 28, BJP 25, National Conference 15 and Congress 12. BJP and PDP formed the government together and Mufti Mohammad Sayeed became the Chief Minister.

Mufti Mohammad Sayeed died in January 2016. Governor’s rule was imposed for about four months. Later his daughter Mehbooba Mufti became the Chief Minister. But this alliance did not last long. On 19 June 2018, BJP broke the alliance with PDP. Governor’s rule was imposed in the state. Currently President’s rule is imposed there.

While upholding the decision to remove Article 370 last year, the Supreme Court has ordered the central government to conduct assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30, 2024.