The impending assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir have seen a significant rise in Independent candidates, with over 40% of the 908 candidates running as Independents. This has led to accusations that the BJP is backing these Independents to split the vote. These elections mark the first since the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union territories.

The number of assembly seats has increased from 87 to 90, with 47 seats in the Kashmir Valley and 43 in Jammu, following a delimitation exercise in 2022.

The National Conference (NC), Congress, and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) have claimed that many of these Independent candidates are being supported by "Delhi" to undermine their efforts. A total of 365 candidates are running as Independents in this three-phase election process.

This is the second highest number of Independent candidates ever seen in Jammu and Kashmir. The record was set in the 2008 assembly elections, which saw 468 Independents running, following the Amarnath land row agitation. The total number of candidates this year is also the second highest, with 1,353 in 2008. The 2014 elections saw 831 candidates, including 274 Independents.

In the current elections, 367 candidates are contesting for 43 seats in Jammu, a stronghold for the BJP, while 541 candidates are vying for 47 seats in the Kashmir Valley. On average, there are about five Independent candidates per constituency in Kashmir, compared to 2.93 in Jammu.

The Sopore constituency, known for its history of militancy and election boycotts, has the highest number of candidates, with 22 in total, 14 of whom are Independents. Notably, Ajaz Guru, brother of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, is among the Independents in Sopore.

The Sonawari segment in Bandipora district also has a high number of candidates, with 20 running, including 11 Independents. The area has a strong presence of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami.

Conversely, four constituencies—Budhal, Kangan, Ramangar, and Srigufwara-Bijbehara—have no Independent candidates. The Srigufwara-Bijbehara seat in Anantnag district features three candidates, including Iltija Mufti, daughter of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti.

In Nowshera, BJP’s Jammu and Kashmir president Ravindra Raina, a leading candidate for the chief minister's position if the BJP wins, is running against one Independent.

Mehbooba Mufti has criticized the large number of Independents, alleging they are fielded by Delhi to disrupt the election process. She urged voters to remain united to prevent the Independents from diluting their support.

Omar Abdullah of the National Conference, who is contesting from Ganderbal and Budgam, has claimed that the high number of Independents is an attempt by Delhi to undermine his voice and influence.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has also voiced concerns over the increased presence of Independent candidates. He suggested that the BJP's strategy is to weaken the Congress-NC alliance by supporting Independents indirectly.

The elections will be held in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1, with the results scheduled for October 8.

Election Commission Bans Exit Polls for Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir Elections

One Nation, One Election' Not Feasible Under Present Constitution: Chidambaram

NDA Govt Plans to Implement 'One Nation, One Election' This Term