Which of the following statements accurately reflect the outcomes of the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections?
1. The Congress-JKNC alliance secured a majority with 48 seats.
2. The BJP emerged as the single largest party with 29 seats.
3. Voter turnout was recorded at 63.88%, showing a significant rise compared to the recently concluded Lok Sabha election.
4. The newly elected assembly holds full legislative powers equivalent to other Indian states.

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) Only 1 and 3

Explanation:

1. Congress-JKNC alliance secured a majority with 48 seats:
• The Congress-Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) alliance secured a total of 49 seats in the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, surpassing the majority mark of 46 seats.
2. BJP emerged as the single largest party with 29 seats:
• The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 29 seats, becoming the second-largest party in the assembly.
3. Voter turnout was recorded at 63.88%, showing a significant rise compared to the recently concluded Lok Sabha election:
• The voter turnout in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections was 63.88%, which was higher than the 58.58% recorded in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
4. The newly elected assembly holds full legislative powers equivalent to other Indian states:
• Despite the elections, Jammu and Kashmir remains a Union Territory, and the newly elected assembly does not possess full legislative powers equivalent to other Indian states. The central government retains significant control over key decisions and appointments.

Information Booster (Static Facts of Election):

• The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections were conducted after the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories in 2019.
• This election was held for the first time after the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, which removed Jammu and Kashmir's special status.
• Total seats in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly: 90 seats, including 46 seats for Jammu, 40 seats for Kashmir, and 4 seats for Ladakh.
• The election was part of the first-ever democratic process in the region since its reorganization under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019.
• The elections witnessed major participation from the local populace, as voter turnout increased significantly, especially in regions previously affected by unrest.