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| First Phase Polling Signals Change | | | COL J P SINGH
Zindgi ke kul nazriyat badal jaen ge,
Waqt badal jae ga agar hum badal jaen ge.
Jo bhi dekho rehnumae qaum ban gae hain
Kal tak the shaitan aj kaptan ban gae hain.
Elections in J&K whenever held have been very exciting, challenging and different from other parts of India because they invite world attention. Coming events cast their shadow before. Natural change is a slow, systematic and continuous process. It can leap frog if popped up by odd events. Once a while such odd event does occur and leaves an ever lasting impression in the minds of people and historians. SASB land row was one such event which popped up a quick change in political situation in the state and sowed the seeds of future change. Unexpected turn out in the first phase polling in 10 constituencies is an example of the major change in the offing. The sudden emotive mass upsurge of anger in the valley and Jammu ignited by the coalition govt of the day; unprecedented by world standards, is considered harbinger of change. Enthusiastic response of voter despite the challenges of poll boycott and inclement weather is an eye openers for those who prophesized very low turn out. One month back separatists ruled the roost, flexed their muscles and were sure of poll boycott and so were some political pundits. Hence their misplaced conceptions about Kashmir have partially been corrected. Recent elections in USA and massive voter turn out and a distinctly clear verdict in favour of Senator Barack Hussein Obama may impact our poll process. This establishes another fact that happenings around the world do affect our psyche because we follow world events with interest. Todays voter is wise, conscious and forward looking and can emulate any good democratic system in the world and be a useful part of international polity. This aspect projects hope of Hindus and Muslims voting wisely with similar desire for a change as American blacks and whites voters did unitedly. Every molecule of the air and every drop of water is important for the sustenance of life. Similarly every vote is important for the formation of good govt. This is very well known to the state voters and they are expected to exercise their right of franchise honestly and liberally in the coming phases. It is for the democracy to bring a change in the life of people. If democracy does its job well, science and technology will soon take us to Moon and Mars. India represents a vibrant democracy and every Indian is proud of it. It is here that Dr. Manmohan Singh, Dr. Karan Singh, Jagmohan and Omar Abdullah lose elections. This is not abuse of democracy but its beauty. It is a tool in the hands of public to change the govt if found wanting. Hence high turn out is pro Indian democracy and for the existing constitution of State and not for azadi or self rule. Since there is always a silver lining in the clouds howsoever dark they may be, if this trend continues in all the phases, it may help resolve the Kashmir issue once and for all which has so for been projected unrealistically by the vested interests. Election holds lot of hope and opportunities towards progress and prosperity. Genuine allotment and hasty cancellation of land to SASB exposed the tricks and bankruptcy of politicians. Small administrative action by govt led to a malicious propaganda. No politician or party opposed it. That is an abuse of democracy. The real test of a man comes when he is faced with challenges. Chief Minister considered to be a seasoned politician miserably failed in addressing the sentiments in both regions thus giving a severe blow to secularism. By buckling under pressure of separatists he demoralized the nationalist forces in the state. The question to be asked to the Congress is to clarify can he be entrusted with any responsibility in this volatile state again? Other questions to be asked are, can a law breaker( land grabbers, bribe takers, commission eaters & intimidators) be a law maker and what are their plans about the development of Kandi area? After grinding the public under the wheels of tyranny for 62 days, the Congress led govt at Delhi restored the said land to SASB and took the credit for resolving the issue. Instead the credit should go to Dr Farroq Abdullah who felt the pain and agony across the state and facilitated the accord. When in extreme distress, despair and difficulty, this is what the public expects from its elected leaders. Today Congress promises empowerment and Regional Council to Jammu. This shift in their stance is a major public and political gain although nothing has been offered to kandi area. May they be true to our trust. People should liberally vote one way to make the election meaningful, exciting and historic because they have the stakes and the world is watching. |
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