This is a historic election in Jammu and Kashmir, the first assembly polls since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. With more than 40% of the candidates running as independents, could they play the role of spoiler? Will any party secure a full majority? Who holds the real power in Kashmir? What are the prospects for the PDP and NC? And how has the abrogation of Article 370 changed the valley? Most importantly, what do the people of Kashmir want?

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, we are joined by two seasoned journalists from Kashmir who have covered the valley extensively for decades. Ahmed Ali Fayyaz, a journalist with The Times of India, and Rashid Rahil, Editor-in-Chief of Asian Mail.

Ahmed Ali Fayyaz sees an edge for the NC, predicting a hung assembly, and believes government formation is unlikely without Congress or NC's help. Rashid Rahil believes the PDP is gearing up and could perform well. Both journalists also discuss how elections in Kashmir have evolved and how people vote.

They dive into the rigging of the 1987 elections and how it changed the valley forever. The conversation also touches on former Jamaat leaders contesting in these elections and what Engineer Rashid's party might achieve in the polls.

00:00 - Introduction

01:07 - Kashmir’s Political Dynamics

06:45 - NC’s Advantage in J&K Polls?

08:57 - NC-Congress Alliance

14:47 - Gupkar Alliance Collapse

20:52 - Kashmir’s Complex Alliances

26:18 - J&K Past Elections Rewind

37:10 - Farooq's Entry into J&K Politics

41:30 - Ex-Militants in Electoral Process

45:05 - Politics of Power

48:06 - Why is Omar Contesting from 2 Seats?

53:45 - Why is Mehbooba Mufti Not Contesting?

56:42 - From ‘Azadi’ to Democracy

01:04:14 - Pakistan’s Interference in J&K Polls

01:07:06 - Farooq Abdullah’s Legacy

01:08:30 - Why Omar Removed His Skull Cap

01:12:03 - Role of the LG in J&K

01:14:14 - Ram Madhav’s Gameplan

01:16:30 - Impact of Jammu Terror Attacks

01:19:30 - Anti-Modi Sentiment in J&K?

01:24:03 - Will Pandits Return to the Valley