B L Saraf
All over bar celebrations for some and gloom for others, 2014 Election process to constitute State Assembly is nearing its logical end. By the time this piece appear in the print the process would be complete.
Though a wily and brazen politician, seldom, leaves anything to guess, yet gullible amongst are on the guessing game as to who would embrace whom and who will ditch whom- in utter somersault of their stated positions, taken in run up to the elections.
To taste the fruit of power and pelf, new, opportunistically, forged alliances will emerge and the old ‘political friendships’ will disappear, on the convoluted principle of “To serve In the largest interests of the people.”
Let us leave the ‘ honourable elected politicians’ to their tricks in the trade and ourselves to ‘ not so bright fate at their hands’.
Election 2014 has been fought in interesting times and under devastating circumstances.
It came at a time when BJP is at the helm of affairs in Delhi, uninhibited by the coalition politics which, in last two decades plagued and incapacitated previous Governments. Congress party has become almost extinct. These election would be known for : no holds barred electioneering by the PM Narendra Modi, campaigning in every nook and corner of the State in the extreme weather conditions; absence of flamboyant Farooq Abdullah from the scene and, in contrast, ‘omnipresence’ of Mufti father – daughter duo; appearance of lotus buds in the Valley in Chilai Kalan; and, lastly; the devastation created by the unprecedented floods.
High turnout in the four phases of ongoing Assembly elections in Kashmir has different meaning for different people. (Fifth round is surely going to surpass the earlier turn outs). Each one concerned with the affairs of the state, in general and of Kashmir, in particular, reads them in his own way. For the most , it marks celebration of democracy, and for some it is not the ‘substitute for right of self determination’.
The congenital, detractors of India would interpret the Kashmir vote as an expression of people’s expectations to have a local government that brings in development and undertakes pro-people measures. To them, it has nothing to do with the “final settlement of the issue” which , they say, would continue to linger on. If Kashmiris have voted on such considerations – which they may have done – then , a clear message goes out that they abhor attempts to destabilize the peaceful environment , so essential for growth, development and progress in their fortune. This could , well, be interpreted as a clear indication of Kashmtris having rejected the politics of Hartaals and shut downs , assiduously espoused by the separatists. Surely , no music to the ears of Geelanis and the Mirwaizs .
Given the uncertain political environment, resting on fault lines, there continue a number of determining factors in the minds of Kashmiris. Some want ‘Aazadi’, few seek merger with Pakistan, quite a number of them would feel well off in the continuing status-quo in the geopolitical situation and some may want to go whole hog in the national fold. Available indications show that urge to retain status-quo and promise of the development by the new dispensation at the Centre may have lured large number of the Kashmiris to the polling booths. So , issue seems to have been, more or less, settled for the continuation of the status – quo, albeit with ushering in changes necessary for renewed affirmation of faith in the democratic process and assured good governance. Herein lies a huge test for the incoming Government.
It must govern with; utmost sensitivity, regard for human rights, concern for all, inspective of regional and ethnic consider rations , and in a transparent and highly accountable manner.
We must recall that goodwill created by the Assembly elections of 1977, 1983, 2002 and 2008 was completely frittered away by the incumbents Governments by their bad governance. And in this back ground if the people in the Valley have come out to express faith in the democratic process, despite heavy odds and at great physical threat, tribute should be paid to their perseverance of the thought and sense of forbearing. Their trust in the democracy will give birth to the new governance regime. Therefore, it is incumbent upon all of us , particularly on those at the helm , not to forget lessons that got thrown up as a bloody aftermath–a consequences of bad governance, post elections mentioned above. No need to repeat, we are hardly out of the woods.
Still , many misguided young have guns in their hands. Hurt feelings are yet to be assuaged. It is our duty to consolidate the gains of huge voter turn out.
See the fallacy of separatists argument on the ongoing elections! Ali Shah Geelani has congratulated people of Srinagar for heeding his call of poll boycott. According to him, the participation of people in these elections would have meant an endorsement of India’s cause in the state.
Geelani needs to be told that his argument is turning on head and goes against the separatist programme. Because , barring just a couple of constituencies in Srinagar city- (where, too, voting percentage has gone up from what it was in 2008) – more than forty out of the total 46 constituencies, that have gone to the polls in the Valley , voter turnout has been well over 60%., which could, on the Geelani argument, mean full endorsement of India in Kashmir and dumping of the separatist ‘s cause.
Separatists may be feeling rejected and dejected. The incoming State Government and the Central Government will have to ensure that they don’t get rejuvenated, by their actions or inactions. Accordingly, a heavy duty is cast on both the governments. Modi Government could do well to pay urgent attention to the rehabilitation of the flood devastated populace of Srinagar city and redeem his reputation as a builder.
As he should do so in ameliorating the distress of POK and West Pakistan refugees , and of the Kashmir migrants. History seems to have marked him for the job.
Let PM Narendra Modi discharge it in close cooperation with the local Government, of whatever hue, and leave an indelible print in the state’s history.
(The author is Former Principal District & Sessions Judge)
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