There could be perspectives of different hues about conducting of the recently concluded elections to Urban Local Bodies from the spectrum of critiques but there undoubtedly can be none, about their free and fair nature and an open air of democratic opportunity provided to the people to exercise their right to franchise. Democracy is both flexible and stretchable but conditional again in that being all democratic in nature and content and political real know-alls would agree that fragility and weaknesses in it were equivalent to naught. A few disgruntled critics’ pooh- poohing about “celebrations about sham elections” is as flawed as is their intention and the nature of criticism. Having said so, by whatever angle one looked at the ULB elections, they were held, contested, won and lost while some seats’ results were decided unopposed. Having said so, it is without any doubt that the ensuing Panchayat elections for which nine phase schedule stands announced on Oct 22, is an epilogue of the grass root level democratic process in Jammu and Kashmir state.
The administration as well the State Election Commission is all in readiness to face the real challenge of the second part but the decisive one of grass root democratic process in the shape of Panchayat elections. If like the ULB elections, all the concerned apparatus work in close cooperation and understanding backed by full security support, all voters would really feel delighted to participate in the process, those scared of gun threats would be able to win over their fears and a change vis-a-vis the poll turnout could be expected comparatively better than the Urban Local Bodies elections in those few identified pockets of the valley.
It is heartening to note that the process of Panchayat elections has already started in many blocks of Doda, Kathua, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, Udhampur and Ramban districts of Jammu region. Likerwise, Leh and Kargil districts of Ladakh are abuzz with the said activities. It is hoped to follow suit in Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kupwara and Srinagar districts in Kashmir. It may be noted that State Election Commission has announced block- wise schedule of all 22 districts for Panchayat elections in the state.
As regards terror infested blocks in Kashmir, they are spread to eight and nine phases of polling to ensure smooth and violence free conducting of polls. The first phase of elections would be held on November 17and ninth or final one on Dec 11. Model code of conduct is already in force since the ULB elections which is bound to be there till the completion of the entire process of Panchayat polls.
As it is said – better it is to be late than never make it , the two main political parties would be well advised to extend full support for a cause like Panchayat polls , a non political democratic process even belatedly as they have devalued their relevance in the state which does not consist of only the troubled districts of Kashmir, by boycotting the just concluded Urban Local Bodies’ elections.
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