news details |
|
|
| Return Of Politics | | |
Dr. Satwant Singh Rissam
The results of the much awaited and maiden District Development Council (DDC) polls in Jammu and Kashmir are out. Both regions here have again voted as per popular political expectations and once again complete regional divide has come out in open. BJP has won Jammu region comprehensively and Gupkar Alliance emerged victorious after sweeping Kashmir region with National Conference (NC) as a big gainer in both regions. These results have ignited hope for democratic institutions among people of both regions and they can be dubbed as real king makers in these polls. For the first time in the political history of Jammu - Kashmir, BJP has become single largest party in terms of seats and votes. Although BJP has swept Jammu with massive mandate it got in six districts – Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur, Samba, Doda and Reasi but managed to win only three seats in Kashmir region. For BJP, Kashmir is a big reason to cheer because even three seat victory signals the beginning of a new political era. Nevertheless, fact also remains that acceptance of Gupkar Alliance is still intact among people of both regions.
Interestingly, after the results now a narrative has started floating that people in Jammu - Kashmir have rejected this alliance. On the contrary, results proved that Gupkar Alliance has gained majority in seven districts of Kashmir and only in Baramulla and Shopian are one short of majority. Moreover, this alliance has won good number of seats in Kishtwar and Ramban districts of Jammu region. Besides, NC won one seat each in Jammu and Samba districts believed to be strong bastions of BJP( for past 6 years). And these two seats have come as a total surprise and were never expected in present prevailing political atmosphere. Hence, to say that the Gupkar Alliance has lost credibility in the just declared results is like ignoring the vibrant colours of democracy and further creates a whole lot of doubt on the approach adopted to celebrate the victory of democracy. Moreover, the mandate given to winners is what matters and vote comparisons done between the number of votes BJP and independent candidates secured with the votes secured by Gupkar Alliance is not right because one vote is enough to claim victory in any election. Furthermore to say that this alliance was not able to fight single-handedly is again not right because coalition politics and inclination to align with regional parties is now an old norm in Indian democracy. These elections held after reorganization of Jammu-Kashmir has proved that people in Jammu region have once again voted for PM Narendra Modi’s promise of going ahead with sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas. At the same time, Dr Farooq Abdullah has proved that he cannot be taken off from the political scene of Jammu- Kashmir. The success story of independent candidates in this election is a major turning point of whole election process. In total, independent candidates have emerged as big winners of these polls by defeating candidates of national and regional parties. The biggest defeats (at the hands of independent candidates) came in shape of MLA’s and former ministers losing to independent candidates in Jammu region. In addition to it, in Srinagar, Ramban, Kishtwar and Poonch districts accomplishments of independent candidates have become a lot more sensational. With this verdict it has become clear that Congress, newly floated Apni Party and other political organizations failed to convince people about their agenda in these elections. Now onwards, DDC elections will become a sure reason for the return of politics here. But how centre government responds to it will in real terms determine the new political scene. Infact, this new political situation should soon be made turning point in frozen politics of Jammu-Kashmir and mandate of both regions should be respected so that aspirations of people get justice. This new system introduced with DDC should only become source of development and try to cut the power politics played between both regions. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
