Till the statehood restoration

National Conference (NC) President Dr Farooq Abdullah recently described the Chief Minister post for Omar Abdullah as "Kantoon Ka Taj" this time. But he was hopeful that the new elected government will do everything possible to come upto the expectations of people.

Delivering on the promises made while walking a tightrope is a big challenge for Omar Abdullah government. Because of the completely changed scenario the elected government does not have that much of powers and jurisdiction what the  earlier governments used to have in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in the past. Political observers say that since he took over as the Chief Minister for the second time on October 16, Omar Abdullah has tried his level best to strike a balance till now. But at the same time he has not showed reluctance in pushing forward his government's promised political and non-political agenda. However, the Chief Minister rightly is avoiding any unnecessary controversy or confrontation with other power centres.

For him while keeping his poll promises,  running the government smoothly in proper coordination with other stakeholders is equally important. And that is in the interest of all including the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir being a Union Territory is a reality at present. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and  Union Home Minister Amit Shah have repeatedly said that the statehood will be restored at an appropriate time. Chief Minister after his recent meetings with the Prime Minister and Home Minister in New Delhi too hoped that the statehood is restored soon. Passing of a resolution, demanding restoration of special status, in the assembly did lead to severe opposition and criticism by the BJP. Since assembly polls are being held in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, the issue got more highlighted and BJP is trying to hit Congress in the two states on the issue.

However, in Jammu and Kashmir, after the brief and stormy assembly session, things are getting back to normal at political and government levels. The Omar Abdullah government would like to focus on the routine official work and try to find out solutions of the problems of the people. People have high expectations from his government. Chief Minister has himself assured the masses that he will not let them down. But he has sought time from people and said that all things cannot by done in one go. Omar Abdullah government will have to make a serious beginning to send a message that his government is for serious business.

People are fully aware that an elected government of a union territory is not as powerful as that of a state. But the elected government has to do whatever is in  its  power and jurisdiction. For other things which are not in its control and jurisdiction, it has to reach out to the concerned quarters for their solution. The government  is expected to utilise all its abilities and resources for the betterment and welfare of the people. The wait for the restoration of the statehood should not affect the working of the government.

It is to be seen when exactly the statehood is restored and in what form. Jammu and Kashmir government and political parties are demanding the statehood back in its original form with all the powers like before.

Before the assembly elections, some senior leaders were reluctant to contest in view of the Jammu and Kashmir being a Union Territory. Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, both of whom had lost the parliamentary polls a few months back, had stated that they would not fight assembly polls as long as J&K is a union territory. Omar at that time had said that  as Chief Minister he would not like to go to the Lieutenant Governor for the appointment of a peon.  But his father and NC President Dr Farooq Abdullah persuaded him to contest. Political observers say that Omar's presence in the electoral fray generated a lot of interest and he led his party to an impressive victory. Omar being the Chief Minister has made the present elected government look relevant and important despite not having the full powers. This government looking relevant and meaningful is important in  the interests of all stakeholders and for the democracy.  It is imperative not only for those at the power centres but also for the people. Chief Minister's statement that his government belongs to all people of Jammu and Kashmir must get a practical shape as well.

After experimenting with some other parties since 2002, the voters have returned in a big way to the oldest regional party, National Conference in 2024 in Kashmir and areas of Pir Panchal and Chenab Valley. Large number of voters were youth and even first time voters. They have aspirations and problems. Their problems must be solved and grievances redressed. National Conference has got a strong political rebirth in 2024 assembly polls and it is upto the Omar Abdullah government now how to carry forward this mandate.