Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir is gearing up for the last phase of local elections with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi promising to restore the disputed territory’s “statehood” that was stripped five years ago. Modi made the commitment in a speech in Srinagar, emphasizing that only the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will fulfill this promise.
Amidst widespread anger in Kashmir over the scrapping of its autonomy in 2019, Kashmir-based parties have made the restoration of special status and statehood their main poll agenda. The ghost of New Delhi’s decision still haunts the region, known for its deep-rooted anti-India sentiment and armed rebellion history.
India’s federal structure plays a crucial role in Kashmir’s governance, with Kashmir’s relationship with New Delhi being unique. The move to remove Article 370 in 2019 bifurcated the region into two federally governed territories, sparking protests and legal challenges.
How does India’s federal structure function? Where does Kashmir fit in?
The late Professor Kenneth Clinton Wheare described India as a “quasi-federal” state, with power centralized in New Delhi. Kashmir’s autonomy under Article 370 was gradually eroded, leading to the current governance framework.
What happened to special status?
The Modi government’s decision to remove Article 370 and downgrade Kashmir’s status raised concerns about democratic rights and governance in the region. The restoration of statehood remains a contentious issue, with the upcoming elections seen as a referendum on the BJP’s policies.
What power will the elected government have in Kashmir?
The elected government in Kashmir will have limited powers, with the Lieutenant Governor wielding significant influence. The region’s governance post-2019 remains a subject of debate and contention among political analysts and observers.
What are the choices before the pro-India parties?
Pro-India parties in Kashmir are faced with the dilemma of participating in elections to legitimize the government or boycotting them to protest against New Delhi’s control. The outcome of the elections will likely shape the future governance and relationship between Kashmir and India.
Will the Kashmir status quo be returned?
The unresolved power struggle between the elected government and the LG mirrors challenges faced by other regions in India. The Kashmir issue remains a complex geopolitical and governance dilemma, with concerns over press freedom and human rights violations.