After the recent assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, which marked the region's first since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, the political landscape has seen significant shifts. Voter turnout was high, with 63.45 percentage participation across three phases held in September and October 2024.

The National Conference (NC) emerged as the dominant force, securing a clear majority. The alliance between the NC and the Congress performed well, particularly in the Kashmir Valley, and is set to form the next government. NC's leader, Omar Abdullah, whose party won multiple seats, is expected to play a pivotal role in the new administration. His leadership was pivotal in garnering support from voters, particularly younger generations, who sought a return to regional governance.

The election results were seen by some as a rejection of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies in the region, with the People's Democratic Party (PDP), once a major player in the valley, facing significant setbacks due to internal divisions and a loss of credibility. PDP's decline, along with the struggles of the Jammu-based Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC), highlighted the regional challenges the BJP faces in the area. The Congress, too, fared poorly, securing just a single seat in Jammu.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made notable progress in Jammu and Kashmir, despite facing significant challenges in the region. The party's performance in the 2024 assembly elections reflects the complex political landscape following the revocation of Article 370 in 2019. In the recent elections, BJP secured several key constituencies in the Jammu region, maintaining a strong foothold there. However, its influence in the Kashmir Valley remains limited, where local parties like the National Conference (NC) and Congress continue to dominate.

BJP's strategy in Jammu and Kashmir has largely focused on emphasizing the development narrative, particularly after the region's reorganization into a Union Territory. It has promoted infrastructure projects, such as the expansion of highways, tourism, and energy sectors, to appeal to the electorate. The party has also sought to strengthen its position through alliances with regional parties in Jammu.

The NC's success is attributed to several factors: a long-standing reputation as a key political player, the decline of PDP's influence, and the erosion of support for other smaller parties perceived as aligned with the BJP. Additionally, the absence of strong opposition gave NC a strategic advantage. The ongoing political situation, including the continuing debate over Article 370 and the region's shift to Union Territory status, has shaped the sentiments of voters, many of whom desire the restoration of full statehood.

The NC's win also signals a shift away from the emotional politics of the past, with voters emphasizing practical governance over ideological divides. While NC prepares to take the reins, it faces the challenge of addressing the deep-rooted issues in the region, including economic development and security concerns.

The outcome of these elections signals a new chapter for Jammu and Kashmir, with the region's political direction now largely in the hands of Omar Abdullah and the NC-led coalition. However, the results also reflect the complexities of the region's political dynamics, including the impact of national policies on local elections. As the new government begins its term, it will be crucial to see how it navigates these challenges and whether it can live up to the expectations of a region eager for stability and progress.