### Congress-JKNC Alliance Defeats BJP in Pivotal Kashmir Elections

In a major blow to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aspirations, his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fell short in the first elections held in Kashmir since the region's semi-autonomous status was revoked. The electoral results on Tuesday marked a significant triumph for India's main opposition party, Congress, and its regional ally, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), who together secured a majority.

The Congress-JKNC alliance won 48 seats, outpacing the BJP, which garnered 29 seats. These elections were particularly pivotal, being the first since the controversial annulment of Article 370 in 2019, which had granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir. The Modi government's move had sparked widespread unrest and backlash among Kashmiris, who interpreted it as a direct attack on their regional identity and demographic structure.

Historically, Kashmir elections have been characterized by boycotts and low voter turnouts. However, the recent polls saw a significant 64% turnout, with voters eager to express their discontent with the BJP's governance and policies towards the region. This sentiment of change was echoed by Waqar Ahmad Wani, a student from Srinagar, who expressed hope that the harsh treatment endured over the past five years would now see a reversal.

Omar Abdullah, leader of the JKNC and prospective chief minister, heralded the election results as a long-awaited return of democracy to the troubled region. Calling on Prime Minister Modi to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah emphasized that the victory signified the region's resilience against the BJP's efforts to marginalize them.

Despite the setback in Kashmir, the BJP remained optimistic, especially considering its strong performance in the region's Hindu-majority areas. Jitendra Singh, a senior BJP leader, described the election results as the party's best performance yet, crediting their focus on development over religious and caste divides.

Additionally, the BJP maintained its grip on power in the state of Haryana, reinforcing its dominance over India's northern "Hindi heartland." Nonetheless, the central government's post-Article 370 policies mean that it retains significant control over Kashmir, limiting the newly elected regional assembly's effectiveness to largely ceremonial duties.

For many Kashmiris, the election results represent not just a political shift but also a glimmer of hope for protecting their identity and rights. Abdul Majeed Malik, a local voter, expressed cautious optimism, seeing the new government as a potential mediator between New Delhi and the Kashmiri populace.