J&K deserves equal status
This June Jammu and Kashmir completed four years with an elected and popular government. This is not the first time that people of Jammu and Kashmir have remained deprived of fruits of democracy as being enjoyed by citizens of India in other parts of the country. The last longest recess in regular democracy was between January 1990 and September 1996.
Emerging out of those six years of direct bureaucratic rule, an exception in Indian democratic promise, it appeared that people of Jammu and Kashmir never wanted to have that experience again. With certain aberrations of anarchic political behaviours stemming from separatist tendencies, people of Jammu and Kashmir have always invested their faith in democracy and practiced comparatively clean and competitive politics. Taking away a legislature and executive was certainly a decision against the wishes and interests of people. Last four years have been very eventful. A special status of the state -a never ending debate on the Indian political scene -was withdrawn.
The state was downgraded and divided into two Union Territories. These were monumental developments but four years down the line, it looks like most people are either willing to move with the new realities or they are convinced that there is very little they can do to reverse the changes which have happened. However, there is one general consensus that everyone across Jammu and Kashmir is united on the view of early elections, having a legislature and an elected government. Given the history of multiple-level polarization in Jammu and Kashmir, a genuine and lawful demand that unites people across regions and communities should be acknowledged, honoured and respected.
This will have to be said with all the honesty and responsibility that these four years have also seen some unprecedented democratic progress and good governance. First time ever in history Jammu and Kashmir has a robust and functional three tier Panchayati Raj system. The political governments were evidently and shamelessly reluctant in sharing powers with the people at grassroots. Urban local bodies are also thriving upon their empowerment and relatively more independence. The last elected Government despite its clean image of its leadership was one of the most discredited regimes. The PDP-BJP government was not corrupt, dishonest or inefficient but it was a regime built on deception and betrayal which, resultantly, didn’t enjoy trust and popularity.
The two parties had fiercely campaigned against each other and divided regions and communities along ideologies. After grabbing votes their alliance of stealth made both partners disrespected in their own respective constituencies. Upon the fall of the elected governments, the state saw chaotic times under Governor Satya Pal Malik and Lieutenant Governor G.C. Murmu. Manoj Sinha, the current Lieutenant Governor since August 2020, has been successful in delivering long awaited and much desired clean and efficient governance.
Sinha is more accessible and receptive than any of the Chief Ministers. Inspires confidence and commands respect. People look towards him with trust and hope. But despite all the best qualities of the chief administrator and his administration, the current system can’t be a replacement for legislature and political executive. To ensure stability and keep people along on the path of new changes, the Narendra Modi government must take an early decision on elections. Now since the delimitation process is also complete, there is no good justification for delaying the elections any further. Jammu and Kashmir also deserves the equal fruits of democracy as enjoyed by people in other parts of the country.
