Dr. Hari Dutt Shishu
Seeing a light in the end of tunnel in higher voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir election, our Prime-minister termed it as a victory of Democracy and strongly projected it at all level both nationally and internationally claiming it as popular trust in the Indian state . In a way, it was seen as a befitting reply to all forces active in the promotion of separatism in Kashmir. The people of the state , by and large , did not allow the separatists poll boycott call , and sub- zero temperature to prevent them from their massive participation in the election and celebrated the festival of the largest democracy of the world.
Political pundits analyzed the whole situation and expressed their satisfaction over the turn out, devoid of any usual allegations of manipulation of “EVMs’, booth capturing, etc. Suddenly, it appeared that J&K is heading towards a new era – an era of trust, prosperity and development showing doors to the negative, antinational and unscrupulous mindset.
But as soon as the poll results were declared and came fore the present verdict, the leadership of various political parties resorted to the same rhetoric suiting their respective constituencies ignoring the over- all welfare of the state in particular and the whole country in general , pushing it in the present mess. Although, the present situation is mainly attributed to the public verdict, it is primarily the responsibility of the leadership to manage the show in the best interests of the public and the state as a whole.
The political posturing by all the parties has led the situation to be more volatile, grim, unpredictable and highly charged and delay in the formation of government is working as an albatross round all the political parties . There is no denying the fact that the terminology of “Hindu CM” used by a section of media/political parties have contributed to aggravate the situation. The role of the Congress particularly in its proposal of stopping CM of BJP, obviously of Jammu , is being viewed as an affront to the people of Jammu and dishonor to their verdict resulting into further deterioration of an already blinking congress in the state .
The simmering discontent within PDP and NC cannot be ignored in the face of either of the parties going with the BJP , especially in the event of acceding its demand of CM from Jammu. Similarly BJP is not in a position to downplay the Article 370, AFSPA and Uniform Civil Code. On the other hand , PDP, headed by a most seasoned and an experienced political stalwart Mufti Mohd Sayeed, will not be easily tempted by the proposal of Congress or for that matter NC, in the formation of Government ignoring the complete mandate of BJP in Jammu and of course , annoying its Government in the Centre.
Jammu and Kashmir is a region of highly sensitive , volatile and hyper conditions and it requires a lot of political maturity , sensitiveness , rationality and statesmanship. It will not be out of place to mention that in the given situation when PDP has a strong mandate in Kashmir and BJP both in Jammu and in the Centre, these two parties, if exhibit a strong sense of responsibility and political farsightedness, can turn the two different extremes into a complimentary position to one another and can have blessings in disguise . Both can provide a level playing field to one another in regard to their respective constituencies. Moreover, the onus of forming the government lies upon these two parties in view of the mandate in terms of no. of seats of MLAs, and vote-sharing and hence should evolve a common understanding to steer the state out of the present crisis and should travel extra miles not only in day today dispensation, but can work to address the core issues of Jammu and Kashmir .
It will not be an exaggeration to say that if both the parties exhibit statesmanship , having mutual trust and faith , they can rewrite the history of state as it is a historical occasion when BJP is having strong mandate both in Jammu and centre and PDP in Kashmir . It is only under this arrangement that some new initiative / formulae can be tried for the overall settlement of the long pending issues pertaining to Migrants, refugees and separatists.
All eyes are now upon BJP President Amit Shah , who has been authorized by the State BJP core committee and Mufti Mohd. Sayed , Chairman PDP . The latter has higher stakes than anybody else in the present situation. He has to adopt a multi-pronged strategy and evolve a formula acceptable to all the stakeholders including his own party, constituency and sentiments of Jammu and Ladakh. On the other hand, whatever is the stated posturing of BJP, their participation in the government with a respectable position may satisfy the sentiment of BJP ,which is keeping its feet in the corridor of power for the first time ever in the history of Jammu and Kashmir and power for them will be like drinking from fore hose.
Invariably, BJP having absolute majority in the centre under the stewardship of popular prime minister Sh. Narender Modi and also having strong mandate n Jammu and Kashmir, is expected of some innovative and unique initiatives, which is not merely confined in day-today governance, but settling some core issues once for all plaguing the state since its accession and showing the outer world, the ultimate triumph of the democracy in the state.
As the author was about to conclude the article, there was breaking news in every channel on T.V screen, showing the state moving towards the Governor’s rule. Finally, it is to be seen that how these leaders manage the situation and what comes out for the common masses.
(The author is former President, Jammu University Research Scholars Association)
Follow our WhatsApp channel