High Stakes and Heavy Costs: Jammu and Kashmir's Landmark Assembly Elections

The Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, the first since the abrogation of Article 370, cost Rs 155 crore and required over 1.25 lakh employees. The National Conference won 42 seats, and the ruling BJP secured 29. Pending liabilities and funds release remain significant governmental priorities.

The Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, the first electoral event since the abrogation of Article 370, were a costly affair, with the Union Territory government revealing an expenditure of Rs 155 crore. This information was shared with the House on Monday.

The elections relied on the efforts of more than 1.25 lakh employees from various levels to ensure their smooth execution. Javaid Ahmad Dar, the minister responsible for the election department, responded to a cut motion by PDP MLA Mir Muhammad Fayaz, stating that funds are being actively considered for release to settle liabilities.

The elections, held in three phases from September 18 to October 1, concluded with the National Conference claiming 42 of the 90 seats. This was followed by the BJP with 29 seats and other parties like Congress, PDP, and independent candidates securing the remainder. The results were announced on October 8.

(With inputs from agencies.)