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The Jammu & Kashmir Justice and Development Front, which traces its roots to former Jamaat-e-Islami members, received the EC’s nod following applications and compliance processes
The JDF’s formation and recognition now provide a formal platform for its leaders to contest future elections. (Image: News18)
The Election Commission of India has recognised the Jammu & Kashmir Justice and Development Front as a political party, signalling a major development reshaping the Valley’s political landscape.
This move ends nearly three decades of election boycott by leaders formerly associated with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and marks their formal entry into mainstream electoral politics.
The Jammu & Kashmir Justice and Development Front (JDF), which traces its roots to former JeI members, received the Election Commission’s (EC) nod following applications and compliance processes. The party had sought registration and an election symbol.
“My entire leadership extends its heartfelt thanks to the Election Commission of India for recognising us. I urge the ECI to promptly allot us our symbol, enabling us to contest fiercely in the upcoming ULB and DDC elections. We congratulate the people of the region and invite them to join our movement now,” JDF president Shamim Ahmad Thokar told News18.
This recognition comes after former JeI-affiliated figures contested the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections as independents, drawing notable vote shares in south Kashmir constituencies like Kulgam and Pulwama, though without winning seats.
“Alhamdulillah. With immense gratitude to Allah, we are pleased to inform our well-wishers that after enduring numerous hardships and challenges, the Jammu & Kashmir Justice and Development Front has been duly acknowledged by the Election Commission of India,” the party wrote on social media.
The JeI in Jammu and Kashmir was banned by the Centre in 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, or UAPA, over alleged links to terrorism and separatist activities. The ban, initially for five years, was extended until 2029.
Since the outbreak of terrorism in 1989, the JeI had largely boycotted elections in Kashmir viewing participation as illegitimate. The shift began gaining momentum after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, and the reorganisation of the state into a union territory.
In 2024, several former JeI leaders took part in the assembly polls as independents, signalling a gradual move toward democratic engagement.
“This milestone is a collective achievement. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our core committee, district presidents, all office-bearers, and – above all – our devoted members who stood firm with unwavering resolve, sacrificing comfort and giving their all for this cause. This recognition strengthens our responsibility to serve with justice, integrity, and commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” the party said.
The JDF’s formation and recognition now provide a formal platform for these leaders to contest future elections, including potential local body polls. It has positioned itself around themes of justice, development, public welfare, youth empowerment, and grassroots issues like education, healthcare, and employment.
The party has stressed on peaceful democratic participation and serving the people with integrity. It had, at times, also aligned with alliances like the People’s Alliance for Change while asserting its independent identity.
The EC move represents a big shift in the Valley’s politics, integrating former boycott advocates into the constitutional framework amid ongoing efforts to normalise electoral processes in J&K following the 2024 elections.
Srinagar, India, India
January 29, 2026, 22:10 IST
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