Jamaat in Electoral Avatar: What the 2024 Return to the Ballot Means for Kashmir Politics

# Summary

In the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election, individuals associated with Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir entered the electoral field as Independent candidates for the first time since 1987. Jamaat itself remained banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and therefore could not appear as a party. None of the Jamaat-backed Independents won, but some secured significant vote counts, indicating a base of support that cannot be ignored.

# Background: the 1987 rupture

Jamaat previously engaged in electoral politics and participated in the 1987 election as part of the Muslim United Front. Allegations of widespread manipulation around 1987 contributed to deep political alienation in the Valley and helped shift parts of the political ecosystem toward separatism and confrontation. For more than three decades after 1987, Jamaat did not contest Assembly elections.

# The 2024 re-entry and results

# Why participation matters more than immediate wins

# Limitations of organisational discipline vs electoral coalitions

A disciplined ideological network can mobilise committed supporters, but winning elections normally requires broader coalitions. Success depends on attracting women voters, first-time voters, government employees, traders, farmers and professionals whose priorities are often material rather than ideological. The 2024 vote shows both the presence of organized support and the gap between cadre influence and mass electoral appeal.

# Practical implications for Kashmir politics

• The ballot is regaining legitimacy among some sections that were previously sceptical. That shifts political competition back toward electoral contestation rather than extra-parliamentary confrontation.
• Accountability expectations will rise for any actor that continues to seek votes. Candidates backed by ideological organisations will face questions about governance and policy specifics.
• Future trajectories will hinge on whether Jamaat-associated figures can expand beyond their core networks to address everyday concerns of a wider electorate.

# Outlook

The 2024 participation marks a notable change in political positioning, but it is a first step rather than a breakthrough. Converting pockets of support into durable electoral success will require building cross-cutting alliances and offering clear policy responses to local priorities. The longer-term significance will depend on whether participation leads to sustained engagement with governance questions and broader voter outreach.