The Congress's ally National Conference is leading in three seats in Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP is ahead in three seats.

In many ways, the February attack on the CRPF cavalcade in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama defined the narrative this election season. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his lieutenants in the BJP hyped India’s response to the attack to gain electoral dividends. This prompted an uproar that saw over 150 veterans write to the President, requesting that the achievements of the armed forces not be used by parties for political gains. A major issue for the elections in the state was the special constitutional status for Jammu and Kashmir.

Illustration by Rahul Awasthi

Legislation such as the Public Safety Act (PSA) was also discussed in rallies. The BJP had won three seats in the state in 2014 and is on the lookout to increase its tally.