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| Aam aadmi in J&K still disillusioned-yet to respond to AAP | | | Bashir Assad
Jammu, Jan 5 : The dramatic rise of Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi elections may or may not have an impact on the general Lok Sabha elections, back home the people in Jammu and Kashmir particularly the younger generation is so much disillusioned with the present corrupt system and disappointed too that not many have any idea how to bring the State out from the clutches of corruption. The response to the change, that Delhi witnessed rather dramatic rise of a new party under the unassuming Arvind Kejriwal, with the Aam Aadmi Party cutting into the cynicism of Delhi, and forming the government in record time, is not on the expected lines in Jammu and Kashmir. In Delhi, the people particularly the younger generation chose to desert the Congress and the BJP to support Kejriwal, however, in our state people gave a rousing reception to BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate, Narendra Modi in Jammu while in Kashmir people flooded the anti- poll rallies of separatist leaders.
And the fact is that a few talk about the strength of aam aadmi and more are still fooled by conventional and conservatives in Jammu and Kashmir. Given the cold shoulder response to the aam aadmi miracle, one cannot be but struck by the similarities between the 2013 - AAP in New-Delhi and Peoples Democratic Party in 2002 even though there are several differences as well. Kejriwal mounted an amazing strategy to earn nationwide recognition through the India against Corruption movement, in which he stood just behind Gandhian Anna Hazare, waving the national flag and pledging to fight corruption. PDP also made corruption its foundation stone, and while its leadership was already known because of the innings in politics, they ensured their campaign and manifesto for change got support and recognition as well.
Secondly, both reached out to the people directly and had a special word for the youth. Both came through as crusaders, with levels of honesty and integrity clearly lacking in their colleagues from other political parties. And third, both have established a space for themselves in politics and are certainly forces to be reckoned with - at least for the moment. So many people including the PDP patron Mufti Muhammad Sayed claim that J&K had its AAP movement in 2002 when people the party emerged as a factor in the elections. The recent statements of PDP president Mehbooba Mufti that her party will involve youth in governance need to be analyzed in right perspective. Some people believe that Mehbooba is apprehensive about the possible revolt of youth against both National Conference and PDP and that is the reason that she is constantly but cautiously talking about the political empowerment of Youth in her public meetings. They believe that a section of educated youth have already started a campaign to fight corruption in State by bringing change in political realms.
Realizing the power of the social media, these youth have framed their Facebook page "Youth Manifesto, 2014- Our Election Manifesto" wherein a debate has been called on issues particularly corruption and call for the solution. Kejriwal's success in Delhi polls has inspired these youth who now want to play a role in changing the concept of politics.
Though the response to the "Youth Manifesto" is not so encouraging but according to some political observers much now depends on performance of Kejriwal in Delhi governance. "I can assure you if Kejriwal delivers in Delhi, it will definitely have an impact on Kashmir politics" said Shakil Qalander, renowned social activist. He said, the youth in Jammu and Kashmir have enough time to respond to the changing scenario. "There is still time for the people, they would rather wait and watch how the events unfold in New-Delhi and how better Kejriwal performs as Chief Minister of Delhi" he said and added if Kejriwal delivers, people here would certainly respond with much enthusiasm and energy. He said in the 2013 general elections, Pakistan witnessed the dramatic rise of Imran Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, which had been in existence for several years and Now Delhi witnessed rise of Kejriwal. "This is sure to have an impact in Jammu and Kashmir" said Qalander. Both Imran and Kejriwal managed to cut through the general disillusionment and anger with the existing political systems, promising new government, free of corruption, responsive and sensitive to the people at large. Both made many promises, many of them a little difficult to believe, but kept well within the box when it came to issues of corruption, inflation, sectarianism, and the violence, said Qalander. Both rely a great deal on support from the youth. Imran came to power in a province while aspiring to lead in Islamabad; Kejriwal came to power in a state and is now aspiring to lead the Lok Sabha. Both have made tall promises, but to give credit where it is due, Kejriwal has started delivering on his seemingly impossible promises to reduce power tariffs and supply free water. And this is where the fundamental difference comes in: the Aam Aadmi Party leadership's ability to strategies and move ahead one step at a time. |
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