Amit Shah announces historic assembly elections in J&K under national flag

On September 7, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a significant political event as these elections will be conducted under the national flag and Constitution for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370. Shah emphasized the importance of these elections, stating they represent a shift from the previous dual-flag system to a unified governance structure. He assured that statehood would be restored to Jammu and Kashmir following the elections, reinforcing the BJP's commitment to the region's political stability. During his visit, Shah criticized the Congress-National Conference alliance, accusing them of attempting to revive past governance practices that he claims led to increased terrorism and injustice in the region. He highlighted the NDA government's success in reducing terror incidents by 70 percent, asserting that the alliance would not be able to form a government in Jammu and Kashmir. Shah's visit included the release of the BJP's manifesto and strategic meetings with party leaders to bolster their campaign efforts ahead of the three-phase elections starting on September 18. He urged party workers to ensure the success of BJP candidates, framing the elections as a pivotal moment for the party and the region. The announcement and accompanying statements reflect the BJP's strategy to consolidate power in Jammu and Kashmir while addressing concerns about security and governance. The elections are seen as a crucial step in the political integration of the region into the broader national framework, with implications for local communities and their representation in government.