For the first time in decades, parliamentary elections in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) witnessed a shift in electoral dynamics, with mainstream political parties taking center stage. The absence of separatists and a focus on local issues, such as Article 370, jobs, and police verification, marked a significant departure from past elections.
India’s 18th Lok Sabha elections, scheduled to conclude on June 4, 2024, are the world’s longest and largest democratic exercises. With 960 million eligible voters and elections spanning 44 days in seven phases, the outcome will shape India’s political landscape. The electoral contest features national and state parties, divided into three broad blocs. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) aims to retain power, while the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) and unaffiliated parties seek to challenge their dominance. The dynamics of Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections differ significantly, with the former dividing constituencies into three categories based on their electoral history. The BJP faces challenges in southern and western regions, while the Congress has declined in the Hindi belt. Regional parties in southern India remain strong contenders. The BJP’s focus on the third category of constituencies will determine its chances of securing a two-thirds majority, amending the Indian constitution, and shaping India’s political future.
