Budgam by-election: A referendum on Jammu & Kashmir government's performance?

By Raqif Makhdoomi  

As the Government of Jammu and Kashmir completes its first year in office, the political atmosphere ahead of the Budgam by-elections appears tense and uncertain. These elections, the first after a five-year gap since the abrogation of Article 370 and the region’s transition into a Union Territory, were initially seen as a step toward restoring democratic representation for people who had long been without local governance. For many, voting was both an assertion of political rights and an expression of discontent with the changes of August 5, 2019.

The National Conference (NC) entered the elections with an ambitious manifesto that promised the restoration of statehood, efforts for the return of special status, removal of the Public Safety Act, rationalization of reservations, release of political prisoners, and a range of welfare measures including free electricity and gas cylinders, as well as job creation. These assurances revived public expectations that the NC could act as a strong voice against the central government and possibly restore what people felt had been taken away.

During the campaign, the NC linked the abrogation of Article 370 with the dignity and identity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, attributing the political crisis to the alliance between the PDP and BJP in 2015. This message resonated with a large segment of voters, resulting in the NC securing 42 seats. The PDP, which had been the largest party in 2014, was reduced to three seats. The BJP and Congress won 28 and 6 seats respectively, with other parties sharing the remaining ones. The NC eventually formed a coalition government with Congress, supported by the Aam Aadmi Party. Omar Abdullah became Chief Minister.

However, within months of assuming power, public enthusiasm began to wane. Statements by the Chief Minister suggesting that the restoration of Article 370 was not within the state government’s control were seen by many as a sign of retreat from pre-election commitments. Critics argue that several promises, including those related to political prisoners and reservation reforms, have seen little progress. A sub-committee formed to review the reservation system has not yet submitted its report, causing frustration among students and job seekers who expected swift reform.

Similarly, pledges to provide free electricity and gas cylinders have been tempered by technical and financial conditions. The introduction of smart meters, once opposed by the NC, has further added to public disappointment. The government’s handling of such issues has earned it the label of a “U-turn government” among some sections of the electorate.

The Budgam by-election comes at a time when this disillusionment appears to be peaking. The seat fell vacant after Omar Abdullah chose to retain his Ganderbal constituency despite receiving more votes in Budgam, a decision that left many residents feeling sidelined. Budgam, often viewed as one of the more underdeveloped districts despite its proximity to Srinagar, has long sought greater political attention.

Now, as campaigning intensifies, voters in Budgam seem prepared to challenge the political status quo. Their choices may be influenced less by loyalty to traditional parties and more by their assessment of the government’s first-year performance. Whether the National Conference can retain its hold on this crucial seat—or whether voter frustration will reshape Budgam’s political landscape—remains to be seen.

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Raqif Makhdoomi is a law student and human rights activist