Assembly elections in the present scenario in J&K are witnessing the fulfilment of all the promises made by the central government from time to time. This favourable scenario will be beneficial for the voters in the future, with new developments in the political spectrum of J&K
Syed Showket
Elections in J&K have always been a challenge due to the unpredictable circumstances caused by external forces from time to time. It has been a subject of debate at state, national, and international levels. Elections in Kashmir have often served as a turning point to address or resolve immediate conflicts or issues. They have proven to be a fruitful tool in defusing prolonged crises and unrest in Kashmir. It has been observed that during difficult times in Kashmir, when there was little to mitigate the crises, disputes, and innocent killings, elections remained a significant success. In every situation, Kashmir’s politicians and voters remained at the forefront, whether in large or small numbers, embracing Indian democracy and its electoral process.
Presently, elections in J&K mean a lot to the people who don’t have access to their legislators, who are a crucial part of the government and represent people at the grassroots level. The high participation in the elections was witnessed due to the prolonged wait for these elections. Even though Governor’s rule has been successful in Kashmir, it cannot replace a popular government, and for that, elections and the people’s mandate are essential. Providing a smooth environment for elections, free from fear and threat, is also an important factor that the central government has made possible in Kashmir. Today, witnessing large-scale election campaigning is due to the peace that has been achieved, and this peace has made it possible to hold peaceful, transparent, and smooth elections without boycotts or threats, marking a significant success.
These elections have changed various traditional factors in the electoral process. Firstly, there was significant youth participation, and areas known for boycotts saw high voter turnout. Secondly, Jamaat-e-Islami participated after a long gap, and even jailed individuals were able to vote. Thirdly, the elections were conducted smoothly without any major law and order issues. Most importantly, first-time voters enthusiastically joined election rallies, witnessing the celebration of democracy.
Elections at this juncture were important for several reasons. One key factor was the peaceful environment, along with the political vacuum, the need for grassroots representation, and the successful parliamentary elections, which saw the highest voter turnout. The successful implementation of policies regarding Article 370, the Reorganization Act of 2019, the conversion of the state into a Union Territory, and other legal reforms were carried out with transparency, ensuring that the people of J&K were not kept in the dark. The clear policies allowed the people of Kashmir to become aware and start comparing political parties, neighbouring regions, and India itself. They found India to be the best choice due to rapid development, infrastructure growth, tourism, business expansion, the G-20 summit, and advancements in various sectors, particularly through innovative youth engagement.
Our political representatives are now focusing more on practical matters rather than offering hollow dreams, emphasizing grassroots issues rather than decisions made solely in the interest of the nation, and prioritizing people-oriented initiatives over issues outside their domain. This election is important because it has resolved some key issues that had long been a bone of contention between the Centre and the state. It has placed representatives in a structure where voters themselves are aware of the composition and position of our legislature. This election is more about development, peace, and prosperity than raising concerns about recent decisions made by the central government.
The new aspect of these assembly elections includes the introduction of new policies, laws, and initiatives that overlap with the old ones, such as the Union Territory status, the abrogation of Article 370, the Reorganization Act of 2019, and the restoration of peaceful elections, which have been widely accepted. On the sidelines, these elections saw massive participation, and the first phase was highly appreciated and acknowledged.
Now, members of the legislative assembly will work for the people more effectively than before, as issues like the restoration of statehood, self-rule, and autonomy are now irrelevant and have been removed from their domain. There will be a greater focus on development rather than addressing unnecessary issues. Common people have realized that politics based on sentiments is over, and this is likely the last election where sentimental issues can be used to motivate people. In the future, people will definitely reject sentimental politics because, in these years, if anyone promises the return of statehood, the revocation of Article 370, or the removal of the Reorganization Act and fails to deliver, the representative will be held accountable and face a miserable defeat.
