EP-224 | Jammu's Role in J&K Polls: Kingmaker or Spectator? | Manoj Kaul & Arun Joshi

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections are taking place for the first time in a decade, following the abrogation of Article 370. What role will Jammu play—can it be a kingmaker in government formation? How do the people of Jammu feel about the abrogation of Article 370? Is there a possibility for J&K to have a Hindu Chief Minister?

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, we are joined by two seasoned journalists from Jammu, Manoj Kaul and Arun Joshi, who have extensively covered the region for decades.

They predict an edge for the National Conference (NC), forecasting a hung assembly where government formation is unlikely without the support of Congress or NC. The journalists highlight how Jammu can play a key role as a kingmaker in the upcoming elections.

They discuss the issue of restoring statehood, which remains a major concern for voters. Additionally, the two journalists examine the participation of former Jamaat leaders in these elections and consider the potential success of Engineer Rashid's party in the J&K polls. Watch the episode for an in-depth discussion on the future of Jammu and Kashmir politics.

00:00 - Introduction

00:50 - J&K Polls: Now vs Before

09:11 - Jamaat Factor in J&K Polls

14:54 - Engineer Rashid's Role

24:27 - Jammu Being Neglected

30:13 - Altaf Bukhari & Ghulam Nabi Azad

35:36 - Will BJP Sweep Jammu?

43:40 - Reporting on J&K Polls

48:58 - Reporting on Stone Pelting

52:24 - Jammu vs. Kashmir Development

57:27 - Is Jammu a Kingmaker?

1:02:56 - Impact in Jammu: Modi vs. Rahul

1:09:16 - Dynasties in J&K Politics

1:13:33 - Ethnic Communities in J&K

1:17:48 - Post-Poll Alliances

1:22:15 - Article 370 in Jammu

1:25:55 - Outsiders in J&K Polls

1:30:43 - Jammu Statehood