It was on June 19, 2018, that the BJP withdrew support to the J&K coalition government headed by the then Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, paving the way for Governor’s rule in the then state. Later, former J&K Governor, Satya Pal Malik, dissolved the assembly in November.

Over five years have passed since then, and there are no signs of the long-awaited assembly elections. 

J&K has been under direct central rule for eight times since 1977. 

Following the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status on August 5, 2019, the region was downgraded to a union territory. The position of the Governor was reduced to that of Lieutenant Governor. 

However, despite the subsequent delimitation of seats the union territory is still awaiting Assembly polls.

The National Conference president Omar Abdullah has said that the BJP, fearing potential losses in both the Kashmir Valley and Jammu is intentionally postponing the elections. 

They assert that the party seeks to extend its time in power to further its “nationalist agenda.”