Politics since 1948

The Shift in Kashmir's Politics (1948–1986)

Sheikh Abdullah, after becoming Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir in 1948, launched major land reforms and policies that benefited ordinary people. However, a growing difference emerged between him and the central government over his stance on Kashmir's status. This led to his dismissal in 1953 and prolonged detention.

The leadership that followed Sheikh Abdullah lacked popular support and ruled mainly with the Centre's backing. Serious allegations of malpractices and rigging marred various elections during this period. Between 1953 and 1974, the Congress party dominated the state's politics. A truncated National Conference (without Sheikh Abdullah) stayed in power with Congress support for a while, but later merged with Congress, giving the party direct control over the state government.

Several attempts were made to reach an agreement between Sheikh Abdullah and the Government of India. In 1965, a constitutional change in Jammu and Kashmir redesignated the state's Prime Minister as Chief Minister. Consequently, Ghulam Mohammed Sadiq of the Indian National Congress became the first Chief Minister of the state.

In 1974, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi reached an agreement with Sheikh Abdullah, who then became Chief Minister. He revived the National Conference, which won a majority in the 1977 assembly elections. Sheikh Abdullah died in 1982, and leadership passed to his son, Farooq Abdullah, who became Chief Minister. …