B L Saraf
On 6th November ,Jammu and Kashmir Assembly passed a resolution seeking dialogue on restoration of special status and Constitutional guarantees , which were ‘ unilaterally’ removed by the Centre ,on August 5th 2019. A serious concern has been expressed on the development . Predictably , the passing of resolution caused a bedlam in the house with BJP members up in arms, in the well , to oppose it and members of the treasury benches up on the feet to defend it . In between , some members added to the confusion who , though having supported the resolution initially as it was , subsequently though that it was inadequate in substance and mild in expressing will of the people , and sought to introduce their own. Later in the day, these “‘supporting ” parties did introduce their resolution decrying the 5th August 2019 constitutional changes and sought restoration of Article 370 .
In a deft move the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah got the resolution moved by a Jammu resident – the Dy CM – who has the distinction of having defeated the sate BJP president, in Nowshera constituency . The Assembly resolution is a three paragraph document. First paragraph is aimed at reaffirmation of the importance of special status Jammu and Kashmir had prior to 5th August 2019 and wants to safeguard identity , culture and rights of the people of J &K. Second paragraph emphasizes the need for a dialogue between Centre and the elected representatives for restoration of special status and Constitutional guarantees. Paragraph third lays importance on harmonizing national unity imperatives with the legitimate aspirations of people of Jammu and Kashmir .
Among other connotations it carries ,the resolution could be read as Omar Abdullah Government’s desire to have governance expanded by the benefits of full statehood. While winding up the debate on LG Manoj Sinha’s inaugural address to the Session , CM Omar Abdullah characterized the resolution as an instrument which enabled people to find their voice and talk unhesitant. He said ” we felt suffocated and thought we wouldn’t be able to talk.” That “suffocation”, according to the CM, stands removed , now .
What Omar Abdullah said in justification of the resolution may have some merit , but the major political calculation which underscores the move is too obvious to be missed . His and NC’s whole poll rhetoric – in May and September – veered round the politics of August 5th 2019 constitutional developments. That rhetoric saw N C come, substantially, triumphant in September Assembly poll and fairly so in May Parliamentary Poll ,at least in Kashmir Valley . So, it was Omar’s and that of the N C’s political compulsion to move the Resolution. Turn the argument other side and see the BJP’s political compulsions which are in total contrast to those of the NC . Hence the party’s opposition.
The BJP had calculated that its victory in Assembly election would ,in the first place , provide a cover to ward of the adverse fall out which it has faced and would face in Kashmir and some parts of Jammu ; and, in the second place , give party an opportunity to trumpet the victory as a vindication of the 5th August 2019 constitutional tinkering .Such is the nature of politics played these days in the country that if NC took three days to pass the resolution against the constitutional changes of August 2019, the BJP wouldn’t have waited for the second day to move a resolution, in the same Assembly, seeking endorsement of abrogation of special status , and then go to the town claiming vindication of its manifesto .
The resolution of NC ( supported by non- BJP parties ) and its opposition by the BJP, apart from reflecting core concerns of the contending parties , tells a tale of sheer Siyasi – Majboori . Omar Abdullah is too wise a politician to know that it is next to impossible to reinstate Article 370 and 35 A to their earlier glory so long as BJP dispensation is occupying the Delhi throne : so think many Kashmiris of various schools of thought. In this context to ask for a dialogue with the BJP led Central Government for restoring special status for J & K -in poetic vein- means Tum Hi Nay Dard Diya Hae – Tum Hi Dawa Dena.
The Resolution is an expression of the stated position of a particular political party .There is no devil in it ; certainly it doesn’t smack of any conspiracy to destabilize the country . Apparently, the National Conference may have acted in pursuance of its manifesto . But there are other matters in the same manifesto which voting public expects the party to act upon with the same zeal and earnestness . These are bread and butter matters that have got accumulated over a period of time . Qualified young have no jobs : middle class has to contend with its own problems . Civic conditions across Jammu and Kashmir are pathetic .These matters call for an concerted effort on the part of both L G and the elected Government to see some action .Polarization will help no body’s cause.
C M Omar Abdullah is justified in seeking restoration of full statehood .Because ,only then he may be able to deliver: the duality in administration will create more problems than solve any. Delhi is the worst example in this case. Uncertainty , political or administrative is antithesis of a good governance . Certainty is a guarantee for a sound administration Thankfully, all political parties in J &K and the Central Government are on the same page so far is this matter concerned. It needs to be expedited .
J&K has suffered a lot, therefore, it is time to keep emotive issues aside for some time and avoid polarization . Emotive issues do have a place the political domain , but to devote a large proportion of the working time to them and leave very little for solving the real issues of life and living is no wisdom. Sooner the political class understands it better it, will be for the masses. Omar Abdullah has come to the stage with lot of expectations: it is for him to come good and deliver .Let us withhold the judgment till the political honey moon period is over.
(The author is former Principal District & Sessions Judge )
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