Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) underwent a monumental transformation following August 5, 2019, with the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, and the enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. This pivotal moment dissolved the erstwhile state into two Union Territories: J&K (with a legislative assembly) and Ladakh (without an assembly). This constitutional overhaul fundamentally altered the region's relationship with the Indian Union, impacting its governance, socio-economic fabric, and political dynamics. The changes introduced have initiated a complex process of integration and recalibration, shaping a new political reality in a historically sensitive region.
Key Factors Shaping J&K's Evolving Political Landscape Post-2019
The post-2019 political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir has been profoundly shaped by several interconnected factors:1. Constitutional and Administrative Changes:
- Abrogation of Article 370 and 35A: This removed the special status of J&K, making all provisions of the Indian Constitution applicable to the region. It ended the separate constitution, flag, and land rights provisions, integrating J&K more fully into the Indian Union.
- J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019: This Act bifurcated the state into two Union Territories. While J&K retained a legislative assembly, its powers were curtailed, with subjects like public order and police remaining under the Union's control. It also abolished the State Legislative Council and extended 106 central laws, amending 7 and repealing 153 state laws.
- Lieutenant Governor's Administration: With the downgrade to a Union Territory, the Lieutenant Governor (LG) assumed significant administrative control, leading to a more centralised governance model.
2. Delimitation Exercise:
- Delimitation Commission (2020-2022): A Delimitation Commission was constituted in March 2020, as mandated by the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019, to redraw assembly and parliamentary constituencies based on the 2011 Census.
- Changes in Assembly Seats: The Commission increased seven assembly seats—six in Jammu (now 43 seats) and one in Kashmir (now 47 seats). This altered the regional balance of power, with critics raising concerns about the proportionality based on population. The total number of seats for the J&K legislative assembly increased from 107 to 114 (90 for J&K, 24 for PoK).
- Redrawing of Parliamentary Constituencies: Boundaries of parliamentary constituencies were also redrawn, with significant changes like adding parts of Jammu's Pir Panjal region (Poonch and Rajouri) to the Anantnag parliamentary seat in Kashmir.
3. Security Scenario:
- Intensified Counter-Insurgency Operations: Post-2019, the Indian Army intensified its counter-insurgency operations, aiming to curb militancy.
- Decline in Terrorist Incidents (Official Data): The Ministry of Home Affairs reported a significant decline in terrorist-initiated incidents from 153 in 2019 to 46 in 2023. Civilian and security personnel casualties also reportedly decreased. However, some reports indicate fluctuations in terror-related incidents in the immediate aftermath of 2019.
- Continued Challenges: Despite official claims of improvement, sporadic militant attacks and security challenges persist, at times spreading to the Jammu region, which was historically more peaceful.
4. Economic Development and Investment:
- Focus on Investment: The central government has actively pursued attracting investments, both domestic and foreign, by introducing new industrial policies and schemes.
- Investment Inflow: As of March 2025, J&K has attracted over ₹10,516 crore in investments since 2019, with Jammu leading in attracting a larger share. Investment proposals worth ₹1.63 lakh crore have been received, with potential for over 5.9 lakh job creations.
- Infrastructure Development: Significant strides have been made in infrastructure, including road connectivity (e.g., Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, Z-Morh and Zojila tunnels), hydropower projects, and development of healthcare and educational institutions (e.g., new AIIMS campuses, IITs, IIMs).
5. Evolving Political Participation and New Players:
- Panchayati Raj System Empowerment: A fully elected three-tier Panchayati Raj system, including District Development Councils (DDCs) established in 2020, has been implemented, aiming to strengthen grassroots democracy.
- Emergence of New Political Parties: The political vacuum created by the detention of mainstream leaders and the changes in status led to the rise of new political entities like the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party, aiming to offer alternative political platforms.
- Regional Party Dynamics: Traditional regional parties like the National Conference (NC) and People's Democratic Party (PDP) have struggled to adapt to the new landscape, facing internal divisions and a fragmented voter base.
- Upcoming Assembly Elections: The Supreme Court's directive to hold assembly elections before September 30, 2024, sets the stage for a critical phase in J&K's political evolution. Voting is scheduled to begin on September 19, 2024.
6. Socio-Cultural Impact:
- Demographic Concerns: The abrogation of Article 35A, which protected exclusive land and employment rights for permanent residents, has raised concerns among some sections about potential demographic changes.
- Integration vs. Distinct Identity: The policy changes aim for greater integration with the Indian Union, while simultaneously navigating the preservation of J&K's unique historical and cultural identity.
Conclusion
The post-2019 period marks a watershed moment for Jammu and Kashmir, characterised by profound constitutional, administrative, and political restructuring. The abrogation of Article 370, reorganisation into a Union Territory, and the delimitation exercise have fundamentally reshaped the region's governance and electoral dynamics. While the government highlights improved security, increased investments, and strengthened grassroots democracy, challenges related to political participation, economic upliftment, and addressing local aspirations persist. The eventual restoration of statehood and successful conduct of assembly elections will be crucial in further defining J&K's political trajectory and fostering greater stability and inclusive development.
Answer Length
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