Kulgam, located in the southernmost part of Kashmir, India, is renowned for its scenic beauty, featuring lush green forests and Kashmir’s only major waterfall. This district is distinctive not only for its natural landscape but also for the harmonious coexistence of diverse religious and political communities. It stands out as one of the few regions where communists, particularly the CPI(M), have not only garnered substantial support but have also maintained a significant presence over time. Today, communists remain a formidable force in Kulgam, coexisting ideologically and politically with a variety of religious groups, including Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims, Ahmadiyyas, Sikhs, Pandits, and Gujjar Bakarwals. Significantly, Kulgam has largely avoided communal violence, which further enhances its unique political and social landscape.
In recent weeks, the election atmosphere in Kulgam has intensified, with a fierce contest emerging between the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and an independent candidate, Sayar Ahmad Reshi, reportedly backed by Jamaat-e-Islami. Historically, the competition in Kulgam has been between the CPI(M) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), as seen in the 2008 and 2014 Assembly elections, where the margins of victory were less than 500 votes. However, this election marks a significant shift, with the PDP’s influence waning and new dynamics shaping the political landscape.
The 2024 elections in Kulgam hold significant importance, with all eyes on whether the CPI(M) can sustain its dominance or whether the political tide will turn towards the Right, represented by the Jamaat-backed independent candidate. The election has witnessed a voter turnout of approximately 63 percent, making the question of who will emerge victorious all the more critical.
Historically, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) posed a significant challenge to the CPI(M) in Kulgam due to various factors. Firstly, the PDP was once a stable and well-established political entity, bolstered by the presence of influential figures such as Nazir Ahmad Laway, whose prominence within the party strengthened its position in the constituency. Additionally, the PDP benefited from the support of Jamaat voters, further consolidating its electoral base. However, the current political landscape reflects a different reality. Nazir Ahmad Laway has since severed ties with the PDP and is now contesting as a candidate for the People’s Conference. Meanwhile, the PDP has struggled to maintain internal cohesion, leading to a fragmentation that has significantly undermined its credibility and trustworthiness among the electorate. In a competitive election environment, a political organization that cannot preserve its unity over time is unlikely to attract substantial voter support. Although the PDP has fielded a strong candidate in Mohammad Amin Dar, a former close associate of Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, field insights suggest that he may not have a significant impact. This is largely due to the presence of an independent candidate backed by Jamaat, which is expected to reduce the PDP’s vote share. As a result, the PDP appears to be just another contender in the race.
Similarly, the Apni Party, a relatively recent entrant into the political arena, is also unlikely to secure victory in this constituency, although it is expected to claim a portion of the votes, thereby contributing to the overall competitiveness of the election. Despite the youth and enthusiasm of the Apni Party’s candidate, their limited recognition and lack of widespread influence in the region place them at a distinct disadvantage in a political context where established reputation and strong networks are critical determinants of electoral success.
The Central Battle
The real contest in Kulgam is between the CPI(M) and the independent candidate Sayar Ahmad Reshi, who is backed by Jamaat-e-Islami. Kulgam has a substantial following of Jamaat adherents, many of whom historically boycotted elections. However, following the abrogation of Article 370, Jamaat finds itself at a crossroads. In a marked shift, they have chosen to participate in the democratic process, now recognizing the Constitution of India as the framework for governance—a significant departure from their earlier stance, which labelled elections as haram (forbidden). Jamaat’s extensive network of cadres made it relatively easy for them to mobilize voters in Kulgam. In almost every village, Jamaat has a presence, which has allowed them to bypass most of the political parties except for the CPI(M). During their campaign, Jamaat unsurprisingly invoked religious sentiments, framing the CPI(M) as a “Ladeen” (Godless) party, seeking to appeal to voters by questioning the party’s secularism. However, this strategy failed to expose any substantive weaknesses in Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami’s leadership or the CPI(M)’s policies.
On the other hand, the CPI(M) has remained steadfast in its campaign, focusing on its usual agenda of regional development—a hallmark of the Left’s governance in Kulgam. In nearly all his rallies and speeches, veteran leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami emphasized the progress Kulgam has witnessed over the years and highlighted the further development initiatives the CPI(M) would undertake if re-elected. As part of the broader INDIA alliance, which includes the Congress and the National Conference (NC), the CPI(M) appears to have a slight edge over its competitors and could potentially emerge as the winner in Kulgam. Field insights reveal that the CPI(M)’s vote share has not diminished to a point where it cannot be sustained. Voters have demonstrated strong confidence in Tarigami.
Several factors bolster the CPI(M)’s position in this election. First, the party has a solid base in Kulgam, largely due to its commitment to development, its clean record regarding corruption, and the personal charisma and longstanding influence of Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami. Second, the opposition has failed to mount any substantial critique of the CPI(M)’s governance, apart from labelling them as atheists—a narrative that has not resonated with the electorate. The people of Kulgam have shown a clear preference for development-oriented politics, viewing religion as a private matter between individuals and God. Having worked on CPI(M) and conducted field research in Kulgam for many years, I have observed that the people here possess a nuanced understanding of the distinction between religion and politics. They have successfully managed to keep the two separate, demonstrating that there is no insurmountable conflict between being a leftist and a practicing Muslim in Kulgam. Furthermore, the pre-poll alliance, in which the CPI(M) is part of the INDIA alliance, has significantly boosted its vote share by attracting support from the NC, which enjoys considerable backing in the region. Additionally, the migrant Pandit votes, which have traditionally favoured the Left, are expected to align with them once again, according to field insights.
Conclusion
To sum up the political landscape of Kulgam is distinguished by a unique blend of ideological diversity and religious coexistence. The CPI(M) led by Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, remains a formidable player, effectively utilizing its development-focused agenda along with secular politics and long-standing presence in the area. While there is an increasing influence from independent candidates associated with the Jamaat, the CPI(M)’s dedication to clean governance, combined with Tarigami’s leadership qualities and the electorate’s desire for meaningful progress, positions the party favourably in this competitive electoral contest. Based on the conversations with constituents in Kulgam, it seems that the CPI(M) has the potential to achieve victory, albeit with a potentially narrow margin. It is important to acknowledge that any win—whether absolute or relative—carries significant consequences for the party’s future and the wider political dynamics of the region. In this manner, Kulgam may continue to serve as a bastion of Leftist ideology in Kashmir, symbolizing not only a distinct aspect of local politics but also a notable feature within the broader political framework.
Dr. Waseem Ahmad Bhat is an independent researcher based in Kashmir.
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