India’s democratic landscape is nothing short of a tapestry, woven from a rich and intricate blend of national ideologies and regional realities. The recent elections in Jammu & Kashmir and Haryana have shed light on this evolving political mosaic, highlighting how identity, governance, and the agrarian crisis are not just talking points but powerful forces shaping electoral outcomes. These two regions, while both vital to understanding the pulse of Indian democracy, offer strikingly contrasting narratives.
In J&K, the echoes of the abrogation of Article 370 still resonate deeply, casting a long shadow over discussions of autonomy and identity. The delicate balance of regional aspirations and national integration plays out vividly here, as voters navigate their hopes and grievances in a politically charged environment. Meanwhile, in Haryana, where agriculture reigns supreme, the concerns are distinctly economic. Farmers’ welfare, fraught with anxiety over economic viability and livelihoods, emerges as the primary concern, reflecting the urgent need for responsive governance.
Yet, despite these disparate contexts, a common thread weaves through both regions: the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) relentless pursuit of power. Having established itself as a dominant force in Indian politics over the past decade, the BJP now confronts significant regional hurdles that compel it to rethink its strategies. The results from these elections underscore a pivotal moment – the stakes in both J&K and Haryana are not merely about victories but about the very future of Indian democracy itself. As we unpack these electoral outcomes, it becomes increasingly clear that understanding these dynamics is essential for grasping the broader narrative of a nation in flux.
J&K: Navigating the Post-Article 370 Terrain
The recent elections in J&Kare particularly noteworthy, representing the first significant political event since the contentious abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. This controversial decision, which stripped the region of its long-held special autonomy, reshaped the political landscape, thrusting national parties like the BJP into the spotlight while prompting local players, such as the National Conference (NC) and the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to rethink their strategies.
With a remarkable voter turnout of 58.46%, the highest in four decades, these elections demonstrated an increased engagement among the electorate, despite the backdrop of enduring political and economic challenges. The outcomes were revealing: the BJP claimed dominance in the Jammu region, while the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) – which includes influential parties like the NC and PDP – made notable gains in the Kashmir Valley. This sharp electoral divide mirrors a broader regional disparity that has historically underpinned J&K’s politics.
The BJP’s nationalistic agenda, particularly its position on the revocation of Article 370, strongly resonated with voters in Jammu. However, the party struggled to gain traction in the Kashmir Valley. Here, concerns about identity, autonomy, and local governance are far more pressing. The NC-Congress alliance, having secured 48 seats, continues to wield substantial influence, but the pressure to fulfil promises related to autonomy and development weighs heavily upon them. For the residents of the Valley, questions of regional identity transcend politics; they are deeply woven into the fabric of a community shaped by years of conflict and yearning for security.
The Rise of Political Consciousness in J&K
The remarkable voter turnout in J&K is not merely a numerical achievement; it signifies a profound transformation in the region’s political engagement. Historically, participation rates have fluctuated due to instability and security concerns, often hovering between 30% and 50%. However, this election saw an impressive turnout of 58.46%, highlighting a significant evolution in public sentiment that reflects improved security conditions and a renewed enthusiasm for political participation.
This shift can be largely attributed to changing priorities among the electorate. In the past, discussions focused heavily on issues of autonomy; now, there is a distinct move towards governance and development. Voters, particularly the youth, are increasingly less captivated by political rhetoric and more concerned with pressing issues such as employment, infrastructure, and economic recovery. As a result, independent candidates have gained traction, successfully tapping into the frustrations of those disillusioned with the traditional political elite.
The BJP’s Struggle to Adapt in J&K
While the BJP celebrated victories in Jammu, its attempts to establish a stronghold across the entire region reveal great challenges in adapting its national platform to the unique dynamics of J&K. The party’s difficulties in connecting with voters in Kashmir highlight the shortcomings of its ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach in a region where local identity and governance are paramount. For many, the revocation of Article 370 felt like an assault on their regional autonomy and identity. As the BJP seeks to solidify its presence, it faces the daunting task of balancing its centralising, communal and biased narrative with demands for self-governance and local development.
Haryana: Navigating Agrarian Crisis amidst Political Challenges
While J&K grapples with issues of identity and autonomy, Haryana faces its own challenges driven by an ongoing agrarian crisis and rising economic distress. In the 2024 elections, the BJP secured its third consecutive victory, claiming 48 out of 90 seats. However, this success was hard-earned, as the party contended with increasing dissatisfaction among rural voters severely impacted by agricultural turmoil. Moreover, the electoral outcome has raised concerns about the fairness of the election process.
As one of India’s most agriculturally dependent states, Haryana has seen palpable discontent among farmers, especially following the controversial farm laws that sparked nationwide protests. Despite this unrest, the BJP maintained its foothold, believed to be due to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s efforts to calm dissent. However, this raises critical questions about how the BJP prevailed in a state where rural discontent is prevalent.
Agriculture is the backbone of Haryana’s economy and vital to its political landscape. The agrarian crisis has left many farmers vulnerable to market fluctuations, resulting in significant economic insecurity. Both the BJP and Congress promised to enhance the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system, but skepticism persists. Professor Vikas Rawal notes that the BJP’s commitment to MSP for 24 crops is largely symbolic due to a weak procurement system that exposes farmers to market uncertainties amid an economic slowdown.
Caste dynamics further complicate Haryana’s political landscape. The historically influential Jat community feels underrepresented in the BJP government. While Congress secured 37 seats by capitalising on Jat support, it struggled to connect with non-Jat communities. Smaller parties like the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) aimed to challenge the BJP but were hindered by persistent caste fragmentation. Consequently, Haryana’s political future remains uncertain, shaped by the agrarian crisis and complex social dynamics.
Muslim winners in Haryana Election:
| S. No. | Place | Name | Party |
| 1 | Jagadhri | Akram Khan | Congress |
| 2 | Nuh | Aftab Ahmed | Congress |
| 3 | Ferozepur Jhirka | Mamman Khan | Congress |
| 4 | Punahana | Mohammad Ilyas | Congress |
| 5 | Hathin | MohdIsrail | Congress |
Regional Challenges and National Implications
The elections in J&K and Haryana highlight the limitations of the BJP’s national strategy when confronted with complex regional realities. In J&K, the party’s emphasis on national unity and centralisation has alienated voters in the Kashmir Valley, where regional identity remains paramount. In contrast, in Haryana, the agrarian crisis and caste dynamics have tested the BJP’s ability to maintain its rural voter base.
Both elections underscore the evolving nature of Indian democracy, where regional concerns are increasingly shaping electoral outcomes. The BJP’s communal nationalistic narrative may work in certain regions, but it is proving inadequate in others, where local issues like identity, governance, and economic distress take precedence.
The Road Ahead for Winning Parties
The recent elections in J&Kand Haryana have underscored the pressing need for political parties to adapt their strategies to the unique concerns of diverse regions. For the BJP, this necessitates a shift from centralised governance to a focus on regional development and autonomy in J&K, while addressing the agrarian crisis in Haryana with sensitivity and reducing reliance on caste and communal politics. Congress also confronts major challenges. In J&K, it must work closely with the National Conference to prioritise regional autonomy. In Haryana, the party needs to bring together diverse caste groups to tackle the economic hardships experienced by farmers and the youth. Strengthening grassroots organisations and forming effective alliances will be essential for Congress to emerge as a viable alternative to the BJP.
As India continues to evolve, the future of its democracy hinges on the ability of all political entities to balance national agendas with local aspirations. The recent electoral outcomes highlight the limitations of a one-size-fits-all approach, revealing that voters are increasingly prioritising local issues over broader national narratives. This calls for a shift toward more decentralised governance, where local voices play a crucial role in decision-making, enhancing trust between citizens and their representatives. By embracing these dynamics, Indian democracy can become more responsive and inclusive, ensuring that diverse perspectives shape policy frameworks. Ultimately, the lessons learned from these elections illuminate the importance of adaptability and engagement in navigating the complexities of Indian democracy, paving the way for a more resilient political system that honours the nation’s rich tapestry of regional identities.
[The writer is Assistant Secretary, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind.]