Seventy-seven years after India’s independence, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) continues to grapple with persistent delays in holding timely panchayat elections, undermining the democratic spirit enshrined in the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992. Despite the constitutional mandate under Article 243E for elections every five years, J&K’s panchayat polls have rarely adhered to this schedule, reflecting a mix of political manipulation, security concerns, and administrative inertia. These delays have stifled grassroots governance, leaving rural communities without elected representatives and stalling development.
Historically, J&K’s panchayat elections have been irregular. Before 2011, polls were held in 2001, after a 23-year gap, and prior to that, in 1978. The 2018 elections, conducted after a seven-year delay, saw over 27,000 panches and sarpanches elected, yet 12,776 seats remained vacant due to security issues. The term of these panchayats ended on January 9, 2024, but elections remain overdue, with tentative plans for March 2025 post-delimitation. This pattern of postponement, even after decades of independence, highlights a systemic failure to prioritize local democracy.
Political motives often drive these delays. In 2018, regional parties like the National Conference (NC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) boycotted polls, citing concerns over Article 370, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) capitalized on uncontested wins. Post-2019, after the abrogation of Article 370 and J&K’s reorganization into a Union Territory, the central government cited delimitation and reservation amendments, such as the J&K Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, as reasons for deferring polls. The extension of the Local Bodies Dedicated Backward Classes Commission’s term until December 2024 further delayed elections, likely pushing them to 2025.
Security concerns and administrative bottlenecks exacerbate the issue. The 2016 unrest following Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani’s killing and the 2019 revocation of statehood disrupted electoral processes. The burning of 12 panchayat houses before the 2018 polls underscores the volatile environment. Additionally, the need for fresh delimitation of Halqas (revenue villages) and OBC reservation certifications has slowed progress.
The consequences are dire: over 30,000 panchayat posts remain vacant, halting development projects worth crores and disconnecting rural J&K from governance. The All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference (AJKPC) has demanded polls within 90 days, threatening agitation, reflecting public frustration. After 77 years, J&K’s persistent failure to hold timely panchayat elections demands urgent action—strengthening the State Election Commission, ensuring security, and prioritizing constitutional mandates—to restore democratic vibrancy at the grassroots.
