For decades the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir has been ruined and disfigured by exploitation, manipulation and the strategic use of divisive tactics by various political parties. As the region stands on the verge of a new start, the importance of choosing capable representatives who genuinely represent the aspirations of the people holds great importance.

After decades of political exploitation, it is time to evaluate the political representation provided by a handful of parties that have often prioritized their personal interests over the needs of the people. Historically, these parties have played the 'Kashmir card'—a tactic that involves exploiting the region's political situation and identity issues to secure votes at the expense of long-term development and stability.
The parties in Jammu and Kashmir have often failed to present clear, sound, concrete and effective election manifestos. Instead of focusing on issues such as unemployment, infrastructure development, healthcare, gender based violence, education and devising policies and plans for economic, healthcare, education, social justice, gender sensitivity and inclusivity, housing and urban development, agriculture and rural development, environment and climate change and national security the focus has often been on the rhetoric surrounding, autonomy, divisive policies, maintaining family dominance, discouraging genuine competition, voter disillusionment and apathy, exacerbated communal and sectarian divisions, polarising the electorate, entrenching division and making social cohesion difficult for the personal gains of parties. This approach has allowed politicians to divert attention from their failures in delivering tangible results in governance and development, leading to widespread disillusionment among the people.
The lack of meaningful political discourse has contributed to the isolation of the youth, it has led to identity crisis, disrupted education, allowed distrust and alienation, fear and resentment among them leading to frustration with the absence of opportunities and the lack of a clear vision for the future. As a result, many young people have become disappointed with the political process, viewing it as a futile exercise that offers little hope for change. At the same time this election offers a unique opportunity for the electorate to break free from the cycle of political exploitation and demand accountability from the leaders.
It is crucial for voters to carefully evaluate the candidates and their manifestos, and choose representatives who are genuinely committed to addressing the region's pressing issues. For the electorate, the 2024 election is a chance to demand more from the leaders. The region has endured decades of conflict, political instability, and underdevelopment, but there is now an opportunity to chart a new course. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve leaders who are genuinely committed to their welfare and who have a clear vision for the future.
The children of Kashmir long for a new era of peace and prosperity, free from the shadows of conflict and political manipulation. The journey from our childhood to youth was in the midst of unrest and turmoil, our dreams often suffocated by fear and uncertainty. Now, we envision the schools without shutdowns, the streets without fear, life full of opportunities, enjoying and thriving in the land of hope and peace. The women who have been struggling see this election as a platform to push for more inclusivity, shifting focus on addressing issues like gender-based violence, women's education and healthcare devising more inclusive and Gender-Centric policies, a leader is needed who understands the regional concerns and are committed to restore a sense of dignity, democracy, and local governance.
Instead of relying on the old, tired slogans, political parties now have the chance to present visionary manifestos. There is a real possibility of a shift in the political discourse in Jammu and Kashmir. This election needs to be more than just a routine political exercise. A sense of belongingness and ownership needs to be fostered. As the people of Jammu and Kashmir prepare to go to the polls in this election, one of the key challenges will be to recognize between political rhetoric and a genuine commitment. This assembly elections have the potential to be a turning point for Jammu and Kashmir as we are not just going to choose our representative, we are about to shape our future. So, we seize the opportunity and elect the leader who will truly represent our interests and work towards a brighter future of their concerned constituencies and Kashmir.