The run up to the J&K assembly election has triggered a re-alignment of political forces. The mainstream parties comprising PDP, National Conference and the Congress are perceived as being at one end of the spectrum, while parties which have been dubbed as BJP proxies -- namely, Sajjad Lone’s People’s Conference, Altaf Bukhari’s Apni Party, Engineer Rashid’s Awami Ittehad Party and Ghulam Nabi Azad's Democratic Progressive Azad Party -- are seen as representing the other end of the spectrum.

The over 100 candidates contesting as independents are again perceived by the general public as 'BJP stooges.'

The Jamaat-e-Islami (J&K) has emerged as the dark horse in this election, They are running a quiet door-todoor campaign and though their candidates publicly claim they are willing to adhere to democratic practices, political observers in the valley are taking their statements with a pinch of salt.

The BIP remains isolated in the valley having decided to put up only 19 candidates. If they emerge as the single largest party, they will play the role of kingmaker. As a teacher of political science in the Kashmir University pointed out,........

© Free Press Journal