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Indian Kashmir Elects First Regional Government in a Decade Amid Political Tensions.

By NDP newsroom

After five years of direct rule from New Delhi, Indian Kashmir held its first regional elections since 2014. The election saw an alliance of the opposition National Conference (NC) and Congress parties securing 48 out of 90 assembly seats, forming a new government. This marked a significant moment following the controversial 2019 decision by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to revoke Kashmir's special status, leading to a prolonged communications blackout and the imposition of direct governance by a central-appointed governor.

While Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 29 seats, critics considered the election a de facto referendum against the revocation. National Congress leader Omar Abdullah and local activists celebrated the results, hoping for the restoration of political rights. However, critics note that the new government will have limited powers, with New Delhi maintaining authority over key decisions, including the appointment of the governor and potential override of local legislation.

The region, plagued by a 35-year insurgency, remains heavily militarized, with around 500,000 Indian troops deployed. Despite claims from the BJP of peace and economic progress, many reject these assertions. In the neighboring state of Haryana, Modi’s BJP also triumphed, defying expectations and winning against Congress in state elections.

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