Srinagar
Regional mainstream political parties, including the Congress, are raising their voices against the Centre’s delay in conducting assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Omar Abdullah of the National Conference (NC) accuses the BJP of avoiding the electorate, while Mehbooba Mufti’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accuses Delhi of attempting to rule J&K through the Lt Governor by postponing elections. The Congress criticizes the BJP for prioritizing its party agenda over restoring democracy in the Union Territory.
These parties, along with the CPI-M, have united under the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration, originally formed to advocate for the restoration of Article 370 and statehood for J&K. However, it has now transformed into a united front to prevent the BJP from gaining power in the UT. Both the NC and PDP, former rivals, are preparing for the elections, although questions linger about seat-sharing and the viability of their promises.
Despite their historical rivalry, the NC and PDP have joined forces for the ‘larger interest of the people of J&K.’ While they continue to advocate for the restoration of Article 370, a closed chapter according to the Supreme Court, questions arise about the credibility of such promises in the upcoming elections. The Congress, at the national level, also pledges to restore Article 370 if it comes to power, raising concerns about its electoral stance in Jammu division and beyond.
The clamor for statehood by the NC and PDP may not be a significant vote-catcher, as the Centre has already committed to restoring it. The Supreme Court has also directed the government to expedite the process. To win over voters, these parties must move beyond hollow promises and focus on tangible issues such as employment, development, healthcare, education, tourism, and industry.
As both the NC and BJP gear up for the impending elections, the battleground revolves around development, education, healthcare, tourism, industry, and the empowerment of women and the less privileged sections of J&K society. The outcome remains uncertain as parties await the announcement of the election dates by the Election Commission of India.
