Connecting to people

In a democratic setup people always take a sigh of relief when they are given an opportunity to choose their representative. About 88 lakh voters are going to cast their ballot in the upcoming assembly elections for 90 assembly constituencies in J&K. These days candidates are doing their best to lure voters towards their parties. Some candidates, even go for door-to-door campaigning. On the other hand, voters and supporters of different parties are coming out in support of their candidates in the form of rallies. They have every right to do so, to support their candidates in the field.

Now-a-days, democracy is dancing on the streets of Kashmir. What after these elections? Will the elected government govern Jammu and Kashmir as per the wishes and aspirations of these voters, or the promises of aspiring candidates are just to make an entry into the assembly. It is just a matter of time. Time will reveal the truth. However, voters attending the election campaign of different parties should put forth their common demands before their future candidates and must make sure that these are fulfilled within a time frame.

After these leaders are elected to power, they, as we all know, have to take oath where they ensure that they will protect the interests of the nation. It could have been very good if they could have taken an oath before elections, in front of voters, to fulfil their promises. These candidates must fix a single day in their respective constituencies, invite their supporters for oath taking ceremony, and take oath in front of them to fulfil every point they mention in their respective manifestos, if elected to power.

As we all know, that in these assembly elections many voters have to cast their vote for the first time. So, candidates must respect the wishes, aspirations and demands of such voters as well. It is not just a vote, it is a hope, it is an aspiration, it is longing - so please respect it. They must keep every section of the society in mind after elected to power. They must be accessible to their voters, as they are accessible to them these days. Keep your manifesto such that it is easily fulfilled.

Your voters don’t want you people to bring down stars from sky. People simply demand services at genuine rates, and right to live a respectful life. They just want development from you. But, the comprehension and interpretation of the word ‘development’ by their contestants and voters must be same. It means roads, un-interrupted electricity and water supply, but not just these. The correct comprehension of the word by representatives of a state and a nation can lead to a better society, a better state, a better nation with better citizens.

An elected representative who comprehends the word ‘development’ in a better way, will lead its citizens to respect each other’s views on different societal matters. Candidates on ground, after coming to power must respect masses the way they respect them during the days of campaigning. Candidates greet every voter they reach during campaigning but not afterwards.

Dr. Hameem Mushtaq, Central University of Kashmir