| ‘Kashmir based politicians want power back, forget statehood’ | | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Dec 3: Politicians in Kashmir have altered their stance by shifting their emphasis from the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood to the demand for immediate assembly elections in the Union Territory.
An analyst while talking to Early Times said, “This significant change in rhetoric has proven beyond doubt that they want to somehow get the power back.”
Pertinently, since the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, Kashmir-based politicians have found themselves sidelined, with the special status of Jammu and Kashmir revoked, and the region reorganized into two separate Union Territories – Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. “Many of these politicians, who once wielded considerable influence in the erstwhile state, have been rendered jobless and have struggled to find a political foothold in the new political landscape,” the analyst added.
“Initially the politicians fervently advocated for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. However, in recent months, there has been a noticeable shift in their discourse, as they now vocalize their demand for immediate assembly elections,” the analyst added.
He said, “The change in focus could be attributed to a pragmatic realization among Kashmiri politicians that the restoration of statehood may be a distant prospect. Instead, they seem to be redirecting their efforts towards securing a quicker return to political relevance through the electoral process.”
The abrogation of Article 370, according to the observers, has left many Kashmir based politicians grappling with an uncertain future. In this context, the call for assembly elections appears to be a strategic move to regain lost ground and rejuvenate their political careers.
"While the demand for the restoration of statehood remains on our agenda, we recognize the need for a more immediate and practical approach. Holding assembly elections is crucial for the empowerment of the people, and we believe it is the first step towards rebuilding the political fabric of the region," said a politician.
Critics, however, argue that the emphasis on elections is a tactical maneuver to divert attention from the overarching issue of statehood. They contend that some politicians are more concerned about reclaiming their lost political clout than genuinely advocating for the welfare and empowerment of the people. |
|
