Time for respecting people's verdict

For the first time since independence the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir were held this time in a completely changed atmosphere. The vote  was mainly in favour or against  the central government’s decisions on August 5, 2019. The polling was mainly a response to what happened to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir on that day. The decisions had led to bifurcation of the J&K state into two union territories and abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35-A. Several changes were also made through series of orders since then.

Major  Kashmir based political parties, National Conference and PDP joined the electoral fray fiercely opposing the central government’s decisions and seeking votes for their “struggle to get back the special status.” They were making promises despite fully knowing that “ hands of the clock” were never reversed as far as the restoration of special status to Jammu and Kashmir is concerned.  BJP sought votes for abrogating the Article 370 and “ending an era of separatism and terrorism and starting a fresh atmosphere of peace and development.” Congress took a middle path. After forming a pre- poll alliance with NC, the party promised to work for the restoration of statehood and skipped touching the sensitive special status related issue. All the parties also promised solving the day-to-day problems and other related issues of the common masses if voted to power.

After the completion of all the three phases of polling now, it is to be seen on the result day on October 8 that which party has been able to convince the voters more and able to get maximum number of seats . Whatever be the verdict it has to be respected at all levels and by all stakeholders. This is very important for the survival of democracy in Jammu and Kashmir. People by and large again showed enormous faith in democracy. If utilised by concerned quarters with sincerity and properly, this faith can lead to movement forward for the betterment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Free and fair elections continue to be the essence of Indian democracy. This essence needs to be safeguarded. Any damage to soul of democracy has proved disastrous in Jammu and Kashmir in past.

Credit for the peaceful and successful elections goes to people and political parties besides the election authorities and government machinery. To people,  for continuing their faith in democracy despite the drastic changes. And to political parties for motivating their enthusiastic supporters and voters to  use their democratic right to form the government of their choice. The party or parties which will form the government too  have to respect the mandate of the people. They will be having more  and never before responsibilities and challenges ahead.

Several political parties have already expressed concern over reduction of powers of the elected Chief Minister and the assembly. They alleged that the Chief Minister or the assembly cannot do much because of the reduction in powers. The parties, however, promised to fight for a strong Chief Minister, government and the assembly. On the other hand, the people  want solution of their problems like growing unemployment, inflation and also redressal of their genuine grievance. Youth have their own problems. They too want to be heard for solution to their problems.

Formation of the new government should not  be seen or prove later merely as an exercise to politically rehabilitate the politicians and those close to them. The significant political development must create a very positive impact in the lives of the common people on the ground. The masses have to get benefitted from the post election scenario and their problems need to be solved and grievances redressed sincerely.

Taking people for granted by the ruling parties in past has proved costly for them and their leaders in elections. Senior leaders lose elections and remain unsure about their victories whenever they contest. Every party has a right to their pursue their agenda.  But remaining trapped in rhetoric and always blaming others for their own blunders and follies and doing not enough for common masses during their rule have to be avoided by the parties now. If they fail to deliver, the political space can shrink and people may start losing faith in their elected representatives and the elections. The political parties have to strengthen this political space further to empower common masses politically and in decision making.

Genuine politics has to be taken back to grassroots level and connectivity with common masses has to be re-established by those in the government or in the opposition. Social media can influence a section of people but not all those who matter on the ground. The disconnect with the people on the ground and relying more on social media sometimes gives shocks to the over- confident political parties in elections in the form of the unexpected defeats. Sometimes those parties or leaders, who are under- estimated through social media, emerge stronger and take others by surprise. Several such unexpected results may also surprise the political circles and analysts  on the result day on October 8.

Political leaders say that they will wait for the election results and accordingly form their post poll strategy. Earlier, claims were made by NC- Congress alliance during campaigning to form the government. BJP too has claimed the same. PDP says playing an important role in the non-BJP government formation. All these claims will get tested on October 8.

Since the fall of PDP-BJP coalition government in 2018, NC was very much sure of it being in the driving seat whenever the elections are held. But then Article 370 was abrogated and J&K bifurcated into two union territories. The assembly polls kept on getting delayed for one reason or the other. By that time PDP too tried to recover and regain some of the ground, lost  after forming coalition government with BJP following 2014 assembly polls.

The election result will reveal to what extent the ground has been recovered and how much more is to be recovered by the party to reach to its earlier position. The result will also indicate strength of BJP and Congress in electoral politics.The impact on polls by Er Rashid’s factor and participation of Apni Party,  Democratic Progressive Azad Party, People’s Conference and independents supported by ex- leaders of  banned Jamaat-e-Islami too will be known on October 8.

Author is senior editor, Greater Kashmir