Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Oct 8: A wave of celebration swept across Jammu & Kashmir on Tuesday, as the National Conference (NC) and Congress alliance secured a stunning victory in the 2024 Assembly elections.
From the streets of Srinagar to the towns of Pulwama, Anantnag, Budgam and other areas, the valley resounded with the sound of firecrackers, joyous slogans, and dances, marking a historic moment for the region. Parts of Jammu division also rejoiced over the victory of the NC-Congress alliance.
A massive celebration erupted outside the counting centre at SKICC in Srinagar. The atmosphere was electric as Congress and National Conference (NC) workers poured onto the streets, their voices rising in joyous slogans that echoed throughout the area.
Banners and flags fill the air, creating a sea of colours. At SKICC, workers from both parties came together in a display of unity, dancing with happiness as they shared sweets and dates. The laughter and cheers, filled the air, mixing with the sounds of slogans, marking a remembering moment in the valley’s political landscape.
While at the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) headquarters in Lal Chowk, the mood was electric, as female Congress worker took centre stage, leading a jubilant dance while supporters chanted, “Bobei Sunn Kya Ronuth, Badam Goujeh, Tariq Sabun Foujey Aaw,” and “Zyoon Ho Zyoon Ho, Congressan Zyoon Ho”, a slogan that reverberated through the building and beyond.
The atmosphere was electrifying, with many in the crowd wiping away tears of joy.
A supporter, holding a Congress flag high as celebrations continued, said that they had been waiting for this moment for years. “Today, it feels like our voices have been heard, and we are one step closer to change,” he said.
Meanwhile, the streets of Srinagar were ablaze with fireworks, while Boulevard Road, and the residence of NC chief Dr. Farooq Abdullah, echoed with cheers as senior party leaders and winning candidates reached his residence earlier today.
Ahsan Pardeshi, the NC candidate for Lal Chowk, led a victory rally after his win, and his supporters thronged the streets, waving party flags and celebrating his win with firecrackers and sweets.
In Jammu, similar jubilant scenes were witnessed. At Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan, the NC headquarters in Jammu, workers and supporters of NC and Congress gathered in large numbers, waving flags and raising victory slogans. At the NCSU Jammu Zone office, celebrations erupted as workers danced to the beats of drums and distributed sweets. In Kalakote and Sunderbani, NC supporters held rallies and victory marches, celebrating the triumph.
Further celebrations continued in Doda, where Mehraj Malik of NC secured a win in the Doda 52 constituency. His supporters thronged the streets, waving flags and lighting fireworks in jubilation. “This is a victory for the people of Doda, and a step towards a better future,” a supporter said.
In the valley, similar scenes unfolded across Budgam, Pulwama, Anantnag, Tral, Khrew and Murran. In Pulwama town, the streets were alive with drums and slogans as locals came together to celebrate. “This victory gives us hope for a brighter future,” said Tariq Ahmad, a supporter in Pulwama, holding an NC flag in his hand. “It is not just a win for the parties, it is a win for all of us,” he added.
In Anantnag town, the celebration was equally exuberant. Families gathered in the streets, lighting firecrackers and distributing sweets. “The people of Anantnag have spoken, and today is a new beginning,” said Abdul Rashid, a local elder, while chanting slogans of “Zyoon Ho Zyoon Ho, NCyan Zyoon Ho.”
Similarly, celebrations showed no sign of slowing down, whether in the heart of the valley, Srinagar, or the far-flung villages as the sentiment was the same, and people were seen celebrating while raising slogans of NC and Congress.
“We have waited long for this day,” said Sameena, a resident of Budgam, adding, now it is time for our leaders to deliver on the promises they have made.
It is worth mentioning that the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) won 42 seats, and the alliance partner Indian National Congress (INC) won six seats.
