Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir): The Communist Party of India (Marxist), widely recognized for its influence in West Bengal and Kerala, forgoes participating in the Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir once again this year, continuing a practice in place since 2004. While maintaining a consistent presence in state legislative elections, the party withholds from presenting candidates in the national polls, thus holding its stance as the fifth-largest political force in the region without parliamentary representation.
This decision carries particular weight given the electoral history of the Anantnag constituency. In 1999, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami ran for office but placed third, garnering 15,649 votes (13.6%). Ali Mohd Naik from the National Conference secured election with 38,745 votes (33.6%), while PDP’s founder Mufti Mohammad Sayeed ran as an independent and took second place with 25,253 votes (21.9%).
Likewise, in 2004, Tarigami campaigned again with similar outcomes, amassing 18,466 votes (12.6%). Mehbooba Mufti of the Peoples Democratic Party claimed victory with 74,436 votes (50.8%), and NC’s Dr. Mehboob Beg followed in second with 35,498 votes (24.2%). Despite these challenges, Tarigami has been elected multiple times from 1996 to 2014 as a legislator from the Kulgam district, ardently championing the interests of farmers and laborers.
According to Tarigami, while his party is not fielding a candidate this cycle, it remains steadfast in advocating for the impoverished and working-class citizens. He recently disclosed his decision not to vie for a seat, emphasizing that his party’s absence would avert vote splitting, potentially blocking the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from assuming power. This decision highlights the party’s tactical alignment with other regional parties within the INDIA alliance to counterbalance the BJP.
Simultaneously, political observers interpret the Communist Party’s stance as a deliberate maneuver to solidify opposition votes, especially against the BJP, which has been steadily gaining traction in the region. By abstaining from the electoral race, the party seeks to prevent the dilution of anti-BJP voting blocs, thereby amplifying the prospects of other opposition candidates.
The first phase of the 2024 Parliamentary elections is set to begin in Jammu and Kashmir on April 19, initiating electoral proceedings across the region’s five Lok Sabha seats. The National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Indian National Congress (INC), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stand as major players, each endeavoring to assert dominance in their respective territories.