This is a historic election in Jammu and Kashmir, the first assembly polls since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. With more than 40% of the candidates running as independents, could they play the role of spoiler? Will any party secure a full majority? Who holds the real power in Kashmir? What are the prospects for the PDP and NC? And how has the abrogation of Article 370 changed the valley? Most importantly, what do the people of Kashmir want?

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, we are joined by two seasoned journalists from Kashmir who have covered the valley extensively for decades. Ahmed Ali Fayyaz, a journalist with The Times of India, and Rashid Rahil, Editor-in-Chief of Asian Mail.

Ahmed Ali Fayyaz sees an edge for the NC, predicting a hung assembly, and believes government formation is unlikely without Congress or NC's help. Rashid Rahil believes the PDP is gearing up and could perform well. Both journalists also discuss how elections in Kashmir have evolved and how people vote.

They dive into the rigging of the 1987 elections and how it changed the valley forever. The conversation also touches on former Jamaat leaders contesting in these elections and what Engineer Rashid's party might achieve in the polls.

00:00 - Introduction

01:07 - Kashmir’s Political Dynamics

06:45 - NC’s Advantage in J&K Polls?

08:57 - NC-Congress Alliance

14:47 - Gupkar Alliance Collapse

20:52 - Kashmir’s Complex Alliances

26:18 - J&K Past Elections Rewind

37:10 - Farooq's Entry into J&K Politics

41:30 - Ex-Militants in Electoral Process

45:05 - Politics of Power

48:06 - Why is Omar Contesting from 2 Seats?

53:45 - Why is Mehbooba Mufti Not Contesting?

56:42 - From ‘Azadi’ to Democracy

01:04:14 - Pakistan’s Interference in J&K Polls

01:07:06 - Farooq Abdullah’s Legacy

01:08:30 - Why Omar Removed His Skull Cap

01:12:03 - Role of the LG in J&K

01:14:14 - Ram Madhav’s Gameplan

01:16:30 - Impact of Jammu Terror Attacks

01:19:30 - Anti-Modi Sentiment in J&K?

01:24:03 - Will Pandits Return to the Valley

Talat Majid, an independent candidate from Pulwama backed by Jamaat-e-Islami, is emerging as a significant political figure in Jammu and Kashmir. With deep connections to the local community, Majid has been advocating for the people of Pulwama, pushing for solutions to key issues like unemployment, education, and the disenfranchisement of Kashmiri youth. His candidacy reflects Jamaat's continued influence in the region, particularly in its focus on socio-economic progress for the valley. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Talat Majid discusses why Jamaat-e-Islami has shifted its long-standing stance of boycotting elections and is now opting to engage in the electoral process. He points to Engineer Rashid's electoral win as a pivotal moment that influenced Jamaat’s decision and notes that he remains open to forming political alliances in the future. Majid also emphasizes the urgent need for improved education and employment opportunities in Kashmir, stressing that the region's youth are ready to take part in the upcoming elections. In addition, he tackles critical topics like the abrogation of Article 370, explaining the prevailing sentiment around it. He further addresses the Kashmiri Pandit exodus, asserting that only Jamaat-e-Islami can successfully bring Kashmiri Hindus back to the valley.

00:00 - Coming Up 01:16 - Introduction 02:42 - Pulwama Terror Attack 05:24 - Independent Candidates in J&K Elections 11:58 - Omar Abdullah vs. Jamaat 17:02 - Election Boycotts in J&K 19:40 - Moderates in Jamaat-e-Islami 24:24 - Ban on Jamaat-e-Islami 30:28 - Abrogation of Article 370 31:30 - Political Parties Uneasy with Engineer Rashid? 32:24 - Majid's Vision for Change 34:40 - BJP's Kashmir Narrative 38:52 - Majid's Election Promises 44:02 - The 'Azadi' Sentiment 48:43 - Kashmiri Pandits Exodus 51:40 - Politics of Fear in Kashmir 54:13 - Which Party Will Jamaat-e-Islami Support?

Waheed ur Rehman Para is the PDP's candidate from the Pulwama constituency and currently serves as the Youth Wing President of the PDP. He is considered a close aide of former J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. Para spent 19 months in jail on allegations of terror links. In 2020, young PDP leader won the DDC elections while being in NIA's custody.

In an episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Para discusses the changes in the valley since the abrogation of Article 370. He mentions that Kashmiri youth are seeking a dignified place in Indian democracy.

Para also addresses PDP's prospects in the J&K polls and the entry of former Jamaat members into the electoral fray. Additionally, he speaks out about the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits and the influence of Pakistan in the valley. He also speaks about his jail time and how it has changed his perspective towards politics.

(00:00) Introduction

(00:47) Time in Jail Under UAPA

(03:37) What Changed After 5th Aug 2019

(05:33) Family Ties with Muftis

(09:00) Kashmiri Identity

(14:45) What Kashmiris Want

(17:56) Kashmiri Leaders' Detention

(20:09) Mainstream Politics

(22:59) Article 370 Abrogation

(24:32) Kashmiri Pandits' Exodus

(28:36) Yale University Program

(29:01) Contest in Pulwama

(30:02) Mehbooba Mufti's Plan

(35:55) Gupkar Alliance Collapse

(40:44) Mehbooba vs. Omar

(42:10) Engineer Rashid's Win in LS

(44:22) How 1987 Rigged Polls Changed J&K

(46:49) Independents in J&K Polls

(51:29) Pak Interfering in J&K Polls?

(53:17) What Does Pulwama's Youth Want

(56:12) Hung Assembly Situation