Elections, political parties and the people

On 16 August 2024 when poll dates were announced by ECI, the political drama started from next day on almost every political stage. National Conference vice President Omer Abdullah earlier made it clear that in the UT of J&K he is not going to contest Assembly elections, then later he announced his candidacy from Ganderbal constituency.

In politics nothing is permanent, opponents or friends. To get power is the only target for a political party.  J&K witnessed number of political tremors from the year 1947. Poll rigging to withdrew of support, even the elected governments were toppled by their close relations. The leaders who were cherished in any political group not only left those parties midway but even  blamed the leadership  for turmoil and uncertainty in J&K.

After the announcement of poll dates, a dozen leaders left their parties and joined other groups. A number of National Conference leaders and senior worker though are not happy with the distribution of mandate and expressed their resentment but have not left their party. The leaders after the coalition with Congress party are claiming to form the Government. In Congress the party high command has appointed Tariq Hamid Karra as Party President and Vikar Rasool Wani was made to step-down.

The party which offered maximum seats to National Conference in J&K has sacrificed their political ambitions only to keep BJP away. A senior congress leader though expressed his dismay on seat sharing with NC said that Congress acted as “Big Brother”. To strengthen roots again in valley it was obligatory for leadership to accommodate NC comfortably. During recent Parliament elections party has secured a good percentage of votes in Jammu region and leadership is hopeful that party could give tough fight to BJP in Jammu region during the Assembly Elections.

BJP though claiming to form next government in J&K is also facing internal differences. Many senior workers and supporter are not happy with the ticket sharing and have openly raised their voice against party leadership. This can impact the performance of party in the elections in Jammu division.

The party,  during last Assembly election, got a thumping majority from Jammu Division and formed government with PDP; it is now fighting an internal battle. Senior party leaders are regularly visiting Jammu, taking review of political activities of the party. In Jammu region though several Gurjjar leaders from other parties have joined BJP, still it could be a tough fight for party to retain its seats.

After the death of PDP Patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, the party suffered a huge set back. The party though having strong cadres in south Kashmir has to face a tough fight against  NC- Congress alliance.

Gh. Nabi Azad’s DPAP has honorably surrendered before elections. Firstly Azad announced his inability to campaign for candidates due to health reason then later  joined few rallies; the fact is maximum leaders from DPAP have already left the party and have  joined congress back. Apni Party, and Peoples Conference also seem to have faded out. Er. Rashid was released from Tihar jail on an interim bail till 02 October, and his team has succeeded to garner public support in North and South Kashmir which has turned the electoral battle more pitched in Kashmir division.

In a democratic setup, every political party has a constitutional right to approach voter. People, due to absence of elected representatives have suffered a lot. The entire administrative setup is under the command and control of bureaucrats. Whoever comes to power should adopt a policy where there is transparency and accountability in the system. The winning party should fulfill the promises they have made to public during their election campaign.

M.M SHUJA, Senior Journalist and a Human Rights Activist.