Srinagar: In light of recent exit polls indicating a tight race in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami, the Communist Party of India Marxist (CPI-M) candidate from Kulgam, has vocalized a public demand for a non-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), secular government in the region. This statement comes at a critical juncture as the region awaits the final election results.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Tarigami expressed that the inhabitants of IIOJK desire a government that can effectively represent their concerns and aspirations on a broader platform. “The public has given their mandate and the results will be announced on October 8 on expected lines,” he remarked, highlighting the community’s anticipation for a change in governance that aligns with their secular values.

Further elaborating on the public sentiment, Tarigami noted, “Exit polls have their assessments and projections but we are waiting for the results. The mood of the people is to elect a secular government that fulfills the promises. It is also my opinion that non-BJP secular parties need to have the upper hand and win.” This statement underscores a significant political shift potentially influenced by the regional and national implications of the election outcomes.

In addition to the election-related discussions, Tarigami also commented on external diplomatic movements, particularly the visit of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit. He described the visit as a “very good gesture” and emphasized the need for both countries to engage in dialogue to resolve ongoing tensions.

The final election results, expected to be announced soon, will determine the political landscape in IIOJK and indicate whether the public’s leaning towards a non-BJP, secular government will materialize into actual governance.