What went wrong for BJP’s ‘Naya Kashmir’ dreams?

What went wrong for BJP’s ‘Naya Kashmir’ dreams as exit polls favor INDIA bloc

The BJP was hoping for a surprise win in Jammu and Kashmir with its ‘Naya Kashmir’ narrative, but exit polls indicate otherwise. What went wrong for the BJP’s Kashmir aspirations?
According to the CVoter exit poll, Jammu and Kashmir may witness a hung assembly, with the National Conference-Congress alliance projected to win between 40 to 48 seats in the 95-member house. Ninety members are elected, and five are nominated by the Lieutenant Governor.
In the Valley, which has 47 seats, BJP’s performance remains disappointing, as it is predicted to secure no major gains, similar to the 2014 election. However, in Jammu, the BJP is expected to maintain its stronghold, securing 27 to 31 seats out of 43, as per the CVoter poll presented by India Today.
These results favor Farooq Abdullah’s National Conference and Congress, while it comes as a blow to BJP’s dream of transforming Jammu and Kashmir into ‘Naya Kashmir’. Despite the central government’s emphasis on peace, development, and prosperity over the last five years, this vision did not translate into electoral gains.
The key question remains: why didn’t BJP’s vision of ‘Naya Kashmir’ lead to significant electoral success? The party has invested heavily in expanding its presence and forging alliances with regional players like Syed Altaf Bukhari’s Apni Party and Sajjad Lone’s Peoples Conference.

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Key Reasons Behind BJP’s Failed ‘Naya Kashmir’ Dream

Failure to Convince People About Article 370
The central government’s decision to abrogate Article 370 in August 2019 was meant to be a landmark move. However, many Kashmiris saw it as an affront to their dignity, which regional parties capitalized on.
Heavy-Handed Security Approach
The BJP’s strict security policies, while targeting separatists, left many residents feeling oppressed. This perception of a crackdown on dissent limited the party’s appeal in the Valley.
Gap Between Promises and Action on Jobs
Promises of investment and job creation post-Article 370 were not fulfilled at the expected pace, leaving a sense of betrayal among educated but unemployed youth in Kashmir.
Failed Alliances in Kashmir
BJP’s alliances with regional players like Apni Party and Peoples Conference didn’t yield the expected results. These parties couldn’t challenge the dominance of NC or PDP effectively.